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OCTOBER 7, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 40 · FREE

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

Portrait artist Laura Floyd’s exhibition “Detention of Empathy” is one of five shows opening at the Winterville Cultural Center Gallery, with a reception Friday, Oct. 9 from 5–7 p.m. For more exhibitions, see “Art Around Town” on p. 22.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Election Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Flag Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Athens VHS Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fitness & Health Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Flock Camera Town Hall NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

FLOST Facts ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Arts + Health Lab MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Women in STEM Album

MICHAEL VIOLAGO

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Isabella Williams, Rachel Watkins EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin CITY EDITOR Blake Aued MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS McClain Baxley, Chris Dowd, Amanda Johnson, Gordon Lamb CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Jordan Blackwell, Brad Staples and Mux Blank by Sam Lipkin (see story on p. 11) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

ARTS & CULTURE: arts@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,600 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $140 a year, $75 for six months. © 2026 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 40

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

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online exclusive The community-based Classic City Band will perform a free concert celebrating its 50th anniversary at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall on Sunday, Oct. 11. Mayor Kelly Girtz will join the band on stage to issue a proclamation in honor of its contributions and achievements. See “Classic City Band Celebrates 50th Anniversary Concert” at flagpole.com.

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Length: 750 words Topic: Athens-based Deadline: 2 p.m., Fri. Oct. 9th Prizes: $50 First, $25 Second, $15 Third Must Be At Least 16 Years Old To Enter

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

NEW shirts and stickers!

news

city dope

Planning Commission hearing include putting parking underground and lopping the seventh story off the development. Still, about a dozen residents from the nearby Cobbham and Dearing Street historic districts shared concerns about the viewshed, the lack of parking—211 spaces for 465 residents in an area where on-street parking is By Blake Aued and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com already at a premium because many homes lack driveways—and particularly the preceState Rep. Eric Gisler (D-Watkinsville) dent set by expanding the C-D zone. person or murder, where police may not hosted a town hall meeting on Flock cam“I think downtown should’ve stopped be alerted to the crime until later. He said eras at Ciné on Sep. 28, after a former crime has fallen in Athens over the last four at Pulaski. I think that should’ve been the Athens-Clarke County crime analyst and transition to Finley and so on,” planning years, but he was unsure if Flock should a UGA police officer were both accused of commissioner Alex Sams said at the advibe credited for it. He said Flock “of course abusing the system in separate incidents. sory board’s Oct. 1 meeting. “So, I’ll put it helps us catch people quicker, but I would The cameras have become so controversial very simply—I think the conversation ends also say that we policed before Flock was that one on Tallassee Road was vandalized right there, that the future land use map ever invented, and we’ll police after it.” last week. should not be changed.” Fargione said he has never had a client Flock cameras have been used in Athens Local attorney David Ellison, who repconvicted because of technology. He said it for about five years, and automated license resents Cardinal Group, said the developer is a useful tool, but officers must use techplate readers for about 10. They use AI has tried to mitigate the parking impact nology and information gathered to build a to photograph license plates and create a by providing parking for 130 bikes and an case. Fargione emphasized that no matter searchable database. ACCPD stores this what technology is in use, the police depart- Athens Transit stop. Unlike past developdata for 30 days. ers, Cardinal Group has been willing to “put ment is still doing the work. Flock is the biggest provider of this the time and the effort into understanding Since a former ACCPD employee was technology and is based in Georgia. In addi- caught allegedly using Flock to track his what the community wants,” Hill First tion to police departments, some private Baptist member and ex-wife, Saulters said entities, such as homeowners associations Hancock-Reese resFlock use has been The law is generally designed ident Hope Iglehart and businesses, use them, too. Police Chief restricted to officers Jerry Saulters said that those cameras can holding the rank of to protect the public from the said.The parcel has go into the system if the owners choose, lieutenant or above, government, but it doesn’t protect proven difficult to and ACCPD then has access to view them. and a captain must He said the police department has 33 camredevelop because of approve it. Furtherus from one another. eras, with locations based on crime data. Up more, the approval its topography and to 150 cameras exist in ACC. stream buffer laws. process now requires Saulters said that Flock is not the great“I don’t know if we get much better than a case number, crime and reason for susest crime fighting tool; the “eyes and ears of pecting that vehicle, as well as checks by this for this piece of property,” planning the community” are. Saulters credited the commissioner Sara Beresford said. On the captains, checks by internal affairs, random technology for helping solve murder, rape, other hand, if the plan is approved and the audits and alerts for any suspected misuse. robbery, aggravated assault and missing ACCPD only shares data with Georgia agen- development falls through, the underlying person cases. But ACCPD relies first on witland-use change would remain, potentially cies that follow similar safeguards, Saulters nesses to conduct investigations. “The pursetting the stage for a project the commusaid, and it does not share with federal pose of any investigation is simply to find nity doesn’t want. authorities at all. Local data cannot be the truth, and that’s what [Flock cameras] And there are still plenty of questions used in regards to abortion or immigration are used for—investigative tools,” Saulters about whether the project is feasible. Carcases, he said. “We have to do everything said. dinal Group has not obtained permits for to ensure that the public trusts us to do the Regarding privacy concerns, local lawyer stream restoration from the U.S. Army right thing and hold our folks accountable,” Al Fargione said, “if you are outside in public, he said. [Lily Thomas] Corps of Engineers or the Georgia Environyou have foregone your reasonable expecmental Protection Department. The ACC tation of any sort of privacy.” In the case of Historic Preservation Commission would Flock cameras, which can record vehicles have to sign off, since part of the property A rezoning request for a six-story apartthat are private property, Fargione said lies in the Reese Street Historic District. ment building on West Broad Street has the the Supreme Court has not yet weighed in. Rights involving surveillance are complicated support of a nearby historic Black church, but is drawing opposition because it would these days because the government is not expand downtown’s boundaries, potentially the only entity that can do it, he said, citing threatening single-family neighborhoods Ring cameras and social media livestreams. west of downtown. He said the law is generally designed to proOther student apartment buildings have tect the public from the government, but it been built west of Pulaski Street, downdoesn’t protect us from one another. town’s traditional edge, in recent years. But Gisler defended Flock cameras as a the updated and newly passed future land crime-fighting tool, but said the system use map draws a “hard line” for extremely needs more safeguards. He proposed legdense commercial-downtown zoning at islation requiring a warrant every time Finley Street, according to the Athens- the system is accessed, which Saulters said could impede the ability of law enforcement Clarke County Planning Department. Cardinal Group, a Denver-based comto solve crimes quickly. State law already pany that has built more than 40 residential prohibits misuse of the Flock system. The developments in college towns nationwide, penalty is currently a misdemeanor, but for sworn officers, it is considered a violation of is proposing 181 units with a total of 425 bedrooms and eight five-bedroom towntheir oath, which makes it a felony. houses on the block bordered by West Chris Dowd of the blog Athens Politics Broad, Finley, Reese and Pope streets, curNerd, who also contributes to Flagpole, rently a small strip mall occupied by Butter has written about Flock extensively. He Bites and Encounter Cafe. As sweeteners, questioned the 30-day storage period—the if the C-D zoning is approved, Cardinal has American Civil Liberties Union recomagreed to rehabilitate piped-under Tanyard mends 48 hours—whether Flock actually reduces crime rates, and who decided to use Creek, create a commemorative garden for Hill First Baptist Church and contribute Flock without any community input or a $2.2 million to ACC’s affordable housing public vote. trust fund. Saulters said the 30-day period is a good Other concessions since a previous ACC timeframe for cases involving a missing

Candid(ate) Camera

STATE REP HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING ON FLOCK, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

“

Should Downtown Go West?

ACC officials have also raised concerns about the location of sewer lines and fire truck access. Although planning staff recommended the less intensive RM-3 (residential multifamily) zoning classification instead, planning commissioners voted narrowly to urge the mayor and commission to approve the rezoning to C-D and corresponding land- use change. The planning commission also moved forward on an overlay district for the Georgia Square Mall redevelopment, mostly agreeing on several stipulations requiring a multi-use path, greenspace and a minimum amount of commercial space on the 80-acre parcel. Those additions are meant to allay concerns that the mall property would merely become a sea of apartment towers, rather than a true mixed-use area that attracts visitors from across the region and benefits the whole community, as envisioned by the future land use plan. But with the clock approaching 1 a.m., members voted to table their work for a third time. [Blake Aued]

New State Senate Candidate Democrats found a new candidate to challenge state Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) after a Madison County judge found Justin Gillespie guilty of cruelty to children and sentenced him to two years in prison. The Democratic Party of Georgia tapped Brenda Hankinson to replace Gillespie on the ballot. “Brenda is a lifelong Georgian, UGA alum, and food nutrition specialist running to take on corruption and fight for a state government that works for all [of] us,” according to her campaign announcement. “After careers in academia, agricultural extension work and the pharmaceutical industry, Brenda is running because she believes working families deserve an economy that works for them—not just those at the top.” Senate District 47 includes Madison County, northern Clarke County, western Barrow County and southern Jackson County. [BA] f

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Bookmark it! Events and Exhibits at UGA Special Collections Libraries

Scary Movie Screening Outdoor Event

“House on Haunted Hill” 7 PM, Thursday, Oct. 22, Special Collections Lawn Brown Media Archives invites you to a night of fear and fun with an outdoor screening of the 1958 horror classic.

Free door prizes and popcorn! Picnic blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. Doors open at 6:30pm, trickery starts at 7pm! All humanoids are welcome at this free screening; no scaredy cats allowed!

GALLERIES FREE TO THE PUBLIC HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8AM-5PM Tuesday, Thursday 8AM-7PM

MORE INFO LIBS.UGA.EDU/SCL 6

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

news

feature

Lost About FLOST?

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TAX REFERENDUM

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

ciated with it. No government spending is tied to it. If approved, all $215 million raised by FLOST would go into a separate account that can only be used to lower property bills dollar for dollar. It cannot be used for anything else. FLOST is “floating” in that the amount of property tax relief it provides would vary year by year based on the amount of sales tax collected. Based on 2026 numbers, FLOST would lower ACC government’s property tax rate by an estimated 4.42 mills

MIKHAIL NILOV

his November, Athenians will vote in a referendum on FLOST, a new 1% sales tax specifically designed to lower property taxes. If FLOST is voted down, nothing will change. If it is approved, all of the money it raises will go towards reducing property taxes for homeowners, landlords and businesses alike. While the vote itself is a simple yes or no, the implications are complex. FLOST, which stands for “Floating Local Option Sales Tax,” is a sales tax program similar to ESPLOST, which raises money for the school district. ESPLOST also happens to be on the November ballot. Both FLOST and ESPLOST are 1% sales taxes applied to nearly everything purchased in Athens. They last for a period of five years before they would need to be reauthorized by the voters. Each would raise around $215 million. If both referendums are approved, the sales tax in Athens would increase to 9%. The main difference between the two taxes is what the money would be spent on. If the existing ESPLOST is extended by voters, the Clarke County School District would use the money for things like renovation of schools and athletic facilities, purchasing new school buses, educational technology and other capital investments intended to further our children’s education. If the new FLOST is approved, all of the money it raises would go towards one thing and one thing only: reducing property taxes. Legally, FLOST is revenue neutral. There aren’t any construction programs asso-

FLOST would transfer the burden of paying for government functions from one group of taxpayers—property owners—to another, primarily college students and visitors. If voters pass it in November, next year’s property assessments and the exact amount collected through FLOST would dictate the precise cut to the millage rate in 2027. Generally speaking, the winners of FLOST would be people who own property in Athens: homeowners, business owners and landlords. They stand to gain more in property tax relief than they’d probably pay from the extra sales tax. Among local residents, the losers would be people who tend to spend a high percentage of their income on goods and services (including internet purchases). People with low incomes would tend to be net losers because sales taxes are structurally regressive, according to Alex Combs, a UGA professor of public administration and policy.

(from 12.25 to 7.83). That’s a 36% reduction. While property taxes levied by the school district won’t be affected, the total tax bills that property owners pay would likely go down by around 11%. However, whether any particular individual would benefit depends on their circumstances.

FLOST Fallout Here are some examples of how passing FLOST might affect you: • An unhoused person living in his car who earns $10,000 a year would pay an extra $100. • A single mother making $25,000 a year who pays $1,000 a month for an apartment would also pay about $100 more per year, although she might eventually save $50 a month in rent. • A Georgia football fan who lives in metro Atlanta but spends $10,000 a year attending games in Athens would contribute $100 more to the local government for services they use. • A UGA student who lives on campus and spends $10,000 online or at local businesses would also pay an additional $100. • A retiree on Social Security living in a $250,000 home would net about $230 between the sales tax hike and the property tax cut. • The owner of a $500,000 house who makes $100,000 a year would enjoy a property tax cut of about $800 but pay about $300 more in sales taxes. • The owner of rental properties worth $1 million would save about $35,000 in property taxes. Her tenants would benefit by $12,000 collectively if she decided not to raise rent as a result.

“Low-income households end up paying a higher share of their income [in sales taxes] than high-income households do, because a higher proportion of their income goes to taxable goods and services,” Combs said. However, property taxes also tend to be regressive. According to Combs, that’s because expensive homes are harder for tax officials to assess accurately. “That assessment, that effort to value property, tends to be regressive,” he said. “High-value homes tend to be assessed lower, compared to what they’re worth on the market, compared to low-value homes. It’s more difficult to accurately assess high value homes. They sell less frequently, so

FLOST Cost

assessors have less data. Low-value homes turn over more frequently and tend to be more uniform, which makes them easier to evaluate.” Research also shows that the burden of property tax can sometimes fall on the shoulders of people who don’t own any property at all. Landlords tend to pass this cost along to renters when market conditions allow. However, landlords probably aren’t as likely to pass along the benefits of a property tax cut to renters. “It would be unexpected for [rent] prices to decline [as a result of FLOST],” Combs said. “You’ve already set this price point, and the market has adjusted. As long as there is demand—as long as you’re not sitting on empty properties because your prices are too high—there’s really no incentive to lower your prices.” Even so, Combs said, it is possible rents in Athens might rise at a slower rate going forward if FLOST were to pass. Complicating matters even further, FLOST was authorized by House Bill 581, which capped property assessments at the rate of inflation. This could force local governments to either cut vital services or raise the millage rate to make up for revenue lost when assessments are not allowed to reflect the true value of property. FLOST is an alternative to gradually raising the millage rate just to keep spending at its current level. “Starve the beast” conservatives might not care. However, many homeowners might prefer to pay their taxes a penny at a time if it means they can write a smaller check in September or put less money into escrow each month. People who don’t pay any property taxes—visitors and UGA students in dorms, for example—would pay more of their fair share. Wealthy corporate entities like big-box stores and out-of-town rental property owners would see the same benefit as local home or business owners, though. However, the ACC Commission has been loath to raise property taxes in recent years, and in fact usually bends over backwards to cut the millage rate, even if only by a tiny amount. Based on his campaign rhetoric, this trend is unlikely to change under the Dexter Fisher administration. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that the mayor and commission might do something like close parks or fire stations rather than raise property taxes if FLOST fails at the ballot box. f

Ballot Language

• The owner of a $250,000 home would see an annual property tax reduction of $320–$440, depending on exemptions. • Sales taxes would rise by $1 for every $100 spent. A $6 beer would cost an additional 6 cents. A $60 pair of shoes would cost an additional 60 cents.

( ) YES ( ) NO -Shall a special one percent (1%) sales and use tax be imposed for five years within the special district of Athens-Clarke County with the proceeds used exclusively to reduce property taxes imposed by the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, the City of Winterville, and the Town of Bogart?

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

news

UNMISSABLE!

INTERNATIONAL THEATRE AND MUSIC Unmythable Out of Chaos

Scan for info and tickets

OCT 5

Alex Brenner

Mon and Tue, Oct 5 and 6 7:30 pm Morton Theatre

OCT 6

195 W Washington St. Athens

Ten Thousand Hours Gravity & Other Myths

Breathtaking Australian acrobatics

Simon McClure

Thurs, Oct 8 | 7:30 pm Hodgson Concert Hall

Cantrip

Distinctive Scottish folk music Camille Neirynck-Guerrero

Tues, Oct 13 | 7:30 pm Hodgson Concert Hall

SAVE $10 NOW Use promo code OCT10 to save $10 per ticket!* * Use code “OCT10” online at pac.uga.edu, by phone, or at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Valid for new orders only, based on availability. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time. Discount has no cash value. All sales final—no refunds. Additional ticket service and/or delivery fees may apply.

Buy tickets now: pac.uga.edu or (706) 542-4400 | UGA students $15.

230 River Road, Athens

Submit free community listings to flagpole by emailing calendar@flagpole.com Have an event? Send your description with date, time, location, and price. Have a band? Update your description or tell us exactly what you sound like. Have art displayed? Let us know what, where and for how long.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 OR EMAIL US AT LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM Make Courthouses Great Again

Mythological hilarity from a British troupe

Deadline is the Thursday before the print issue.

letters

I’m glad to see that the Athens-Clarke County Commission has decided it’s time for a new courthouse, but then we see a rendering of the building. Are commissioners afraid of beauty? The courthouse looks like a shoebox, devoid of all embellishment. Where in the past government buildings inspired citizens with classic details—columns, granite, stone and marble exteriors—the proposed building screams cheap. Architecture is the most public form of art, and the ACC government is showing a distaste for it. It’s not too late. Give us something we can be proud of. Paul Boeker Athens

More Mike Collins Misdeeds In Flagpole’s Sept. 16 issue, City Editor Blake Aued lists—with evidence—some “misdeeds” of our elusive 10th District Rep. Mike Collins. I suggest adding the following egregious example of his manifest incompetence to his “greatest hits.” In April 2025, Collins claimed during a strange, phoned-in town hall that, as a Flagpole article paraphrased, “federal employees are lazy and stupid.” The repugnant Collins also said something disgusting about bathroom breaks for federal workers that I won’t repeat. Extraordinary claims like that demand extraordinary evidence, but Rep. Collins has offered none. I retired after 53 years both with the EPA in Atlanta and with the Air Force Tactical Air Command in Kennesaw. I am here to tell you that practically all of my coworkers—regardless of pay scale or rank—were skilled, well trained and dedicated. I emailed Collins (after much rigamarole) on May 4, 2025 and asked him for anything resembling evidence supporting his outrageous claims. He hasn’t responded and, after all these months, I’ve given up. Last year his aide (“Jimmy”) told me that the congressman is oh-so-busy and may never get around to my inquiry. (Busy doing what?) Come Nov. 3, this corrupt congressman may find that many Georgians, regardless of political or religious views, respect our civil servants, and are offended by such disparaging and disgusting statements. Duke Geddis Athens

Support Women’s Health I’m not keen on writing about this, but the personal really is political when numbskulls, quacks and ideologues set policies we must live with—and sometimes die from— so here goes. Years ago I had three heart-breaking and dangerous ectopic pregnancies that I was lucky to survive. That’s when the embryo grows outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube) and so can never be viable. When the tube ruptures, catastrophic bleeding can be deadly. Those deaths are happening at twice the rate in the last six years in the U.S. due in large part to extreme abortion bans that cause doctors to worry

that they’ll go to jail or lose their license if they terminate a woman’s pregnancy. The increase in mortality is particularly evident in states with the strictest bans. I learned from Lee Becker’s reporting that “Dutch” Guest, who is running against Rep. Eric Gisler in District 121, said at a recent town hall that he believes there should be no exceptions for a woman to have an abortion. Not rape or incest or a medical emergency like mine. Guest may have religious reasons for his beliefs on this matter, but he and lawmakers (Rep. Houston Gaines among them) who voted for the state’s six-week abortion ban have no right to dictate policy about such personal matters faced by others. (And don’t try to convince me that they care deeply about kids. Gov. Brian Kemp, for example, for two years now has turned down federal funds to feed kids in the summer.) While I am heartsick about our private losses, I remember a photo I saw somewhere of a man in southeast Asia frantically seeking help as he carried his wife writhing in pain from an ectopic pregnancy. That has stayed with me: a deep compassion for women elsewhere bleeding to death. And by “elsewhere,” now I mean those who live in parts of our country. Consider when you vote whether to choose the candidate who supports scientists, doctors, experts and women, or those who simply follow the good ol’ boy party line that women do not warrant the self-determination so vital to our country’s founding values. Pat Priest Oconee County

Iran War Came As Surprise To my fellow Americans: We are in troubled times. None of us thought President Trump was going to start a war with Iran when he was elected. The one thing we thought we could all count on from Trump is that he had pledged “no new wars” over and over again through his entire political history. It was the main plank in his political philosophy. Then, suddenly, he acted in the opposite way in starting a war with Iran, totally out of the blue, without even signaling this plan to the U.S. citizens or our allies. With this Iran war and his random tariff war, Trump is single-handedly disrupting all global commerce with his crazy, bizarre and aggressive actions. I’m afraid he’s going nuts. The bad news is that his insane attacks may cause World War III, and a national and global depression. The good news is that virtually 100% of American citizens disagree with what he is doing, and we want it to end. We can vote in the opposing party in the midterms and stop him in his tracks if we want to, before he leads us into an Apocalypse. If you’ve never voted for a Democrat before and never will again, please at least consider voting for a Democrat this time, to end these wars and get things back to normal. There’s an awful lot at stake. Chip Shirley Trinidad, CO

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feature

Election Security

EXPERTS DISCUSS ODDS TRUMP MEDDLES WITH 2026 VOTE

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

ith speculation swirling about “may be a strategy to suppress turnout,” how President Donald Trump— Ginsberg said, but he dismissed fears that who falsely alleged fraud after Trump would actually do it. “It would be a the 2020 election—will attempt to disrupt gigantic get-out-the-vote tool for the presithis fall’s midterms, law professors and dent’s political opponents,” Ginsberg said. state and local election officials want to He said that he is not concerned so reassure voters that Georgia’s elections are much with the voting or counting as the secure and accurate. certification process, when states verify the “We have been fortunate that the people results and, for federal offices, send them to who are really in a position to mess with Congress. For example, he said, the current our democracy have held firm,” Gabriel GOP majority in the House could refuse Sterling, a top aide to Secretary of State to seat newly elected Democrats. But he Brad Raffensperger, said during a nonparexpressed faith that eventually the courts tisan panel discussion Sept. 28 at UGA’s would sort it out. Richard B. Russell Library for Political Studies and Research. Raffensperger, a Republican, famously refused Trump’s demand to “find 11,780 votes” to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia. Sterling also called vice presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence role models—Gore for presiding over his own defeat when the U.S. Senate formally certified the results of the 2000 election, and Pence for resisting Trump’s pressure not to accept the results in 2020 while playing the same ceremonial role. Another speaker, Ben Ginsberg, represented George W. Bush in the 2000 case Bush v. Gore, when the Supreme Court stopped a recount in pivotal Florida while Bush was ahead by an astonishingly thin Ben Ginsberg 537-vote margin out of nearly 6 million. (Who ever said your vote doesn’t count?) He now works with RightAnother concern is rampant disinforCount, an organization that seeks to dispel mation on social media. “A lot of people election-related conspiracy theories among are making a lot of money convincing us conservatives, such as the idea that undocto mistrust each other, and you don’t have umented immigrants vote in large numbers. to fall for that,” said Lori Ringhand, a UGA Trump’s threat to send the National law professor and author of the recently Guard to polling places on Election Day released We the Voters: The Constitutional

Choices That Shaped America’s Elections. Sterling made a similar point: “There are people out there who want to scare you.” In particular, he said to beware of any reports that someone had hacked into Georgia voting machines, because they’re not connected to the internet. In 2000, hand-marked paper ballots led to widespread confusion in Florida, even among generations used to filling in bubbles with No. 2 pencils. That led Cathy Cox, the Democratic secretary of state in Georgia at the time, to institute uniform electronic voting machines statewide. “It professionalized the whole system,” said Lynn Bailey, a retired longtime elections director in Augusta-Richmond County. Previously, each county had its own method of recording votes and counting ballots.

Gabriel Sterling

Now, though, some GOP lawmakers are pushing for a return to hand-marked paper ballots that introduce human error. “We’re all fallen. We make mistakes,” Sterling said. But for Shauna Dozier, the elections director in Clayton County, audits have always shown that the results are 100% correct using electronic machines. Each state, too, has its own way of running elections, which Sterling described as a strength, because with approximately 10,000 jurisdictions nationwide, there is less opportunity for widespread fraud. The U.S. Constitution grants that power to the

states, with some oversight from Congress, but executive orders from the president regarding elections are unconstitutional, as the Supreme Court recently ruled in a case involving Trump instructing the U.S. Postal Service to regulate mail-in ballots. Election officials also described the chain of custody after votes are cast—poll workers are never alone while counting ballots, representatives from both parties are there to observe them, and they are accompanied by law enforcement whenever transporting ballots or data cards. “There are so many checks and balances along the way,” Bailey said. One action that did violate the chain of custody, according to Ginsberg, was the Trump administration’s raid on a Fulton County election facility earlier this year. He urged election officials to have a lawyer on speed-dial and to never turn over original ballots, only copies. Scrutiny following the 2020 election led to a policy of “radical transparency,” according to Ginsberg. It was a painful time for poll workers, as the three election directors on the panel recounted. Previously, no one paid much attention to all the preparation behind the scenes that went into running an election—finding polling places, hiring poll workers, updating voter rolls, dealing with ever-changing state laws and regulations. “People were getting death threats in 2020, so we saw a huge dropoff in poll workers,” said Rebecca Anglin, the elections director in Greene County. Prior to 2020, “It was pretty delightful just to be able to do your job,” Bailey added. It’s not always the right making claims that undermine faith in elections, though. Asked about Democrat Stacey Abrams’ refusal to concede in the 2018 governor’s race—citing winner Brian Kemp’s oversight of his own election as then-secretary of state—Ginsberg said she gave Trump and his supporters “a permission structure” to deny the results in 2020. “I did not think the evidence justified the rhetoric,” he said. “… If there were shenanigans, I never saw the evidence.” f

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

arts & culture

ACC ADVANCE VOTING for the November 2026 General Election Tuesday, October 13 - Friday, October 30

flag football

Roll the Dice

GEORGIA WILL NEED ALL THE LUCK IT CAN GET IN TUSCALOOSA

By McClain Baxley news@flagpole.com

WEEK 1: Elections Office Only Tues, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 16 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday, October 17 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday, October 18 12 NOON - 3:00 PM

WEEK 2: Four Locations

Elections Office, ACC Library, Miriam Moore, & ACC Tennis Center Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

There’s a cliche saying in sports, and in life, that sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Saturday on a third-and-4 from the Georgia 43, quarterback Gunner Stockton threw a ball down the field, and it was deflected by a Vanderbilt defender. Rather than have the opening drive of the second half end with a punt, tight end Lawson Luckie came out of nowhere and caught the deflected ball cleanly, tucked it and sprinted down the right sideline 43 yards. A couple

touchdown drive. Then Stockton and Co. really locked in, attacking fast with big plays and capping off back-to-back scoring drives with one-yard touchdown runs. Vanderbilt, led by Blaze Berlowitz instead of former Georgia QB commit Jared Curtis, scored just before halftime to make it 21–7 Bulldogs at halftime. If you’ve been following Georgia this season, you know that the second half is where they’ve struggled. But Saturday, they completely shut down the visitors. VanderUGA ATHLETICS

WEEK 3: Five Locations

Elections Office, ACC Library, Miriam Moore, ACC Tennis Center, & ACC Cooperative Extension Saturday, October 24 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

3 Days at UGA Tate Student Center

Tues, Oct 27 Wed, Oct 28 Thurs, Oct 29

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

More info: accgov.com/advancevoting Lawson was equally Luckie and on Saturday against Vanderbilt.

plays later, Stockton hit Elyiss Williams for a 1-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 28-14 lead midway through the third quarter. The catch was crazy, like something you’d see in a magical sports movie where the underdog comes back and wins the championship. The cameras immediately found Luckie’s family, including his little brother Cannon, who has a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder called FOXG1. It was great production by ESPN and very sweet from all involved. And it’s fitting that he lived up to his name with a type of luck that’s hung around Georgia this season. Think back to a week ago, when the goofiest fumble from Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer resulted in a long scoop-and-score touchdown. For the No. 2 Bulldogs though, there’s a great deal of skill to accompany the breaks they’ve had nearing the midway point of the 2026 college football regular season. Head coach Kirby Smart said that the secret to their success isn’t luck, or recruiting, or paying for better players or facilities. “We have a process that we really feel good about,” Smart said. “And we take time to really drive home what our purpose is each week. And we don’t vary very far from what we think we need to do.” Georgia is 5–0 for the seventh time under Smart. They’ve dominated in just about every phase of the game, even if Smart and his players may disagree as they strive for perfection. The homecoming win against Vanderbilt was the most competitive test for Georgia. The Commodores responded to Georgia’s opening score with a seven-play, 95-yard

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

bilt was shut out and had just 59 yards in the second half, while the Bulldogs had two touchdowns and a field goal to win 38-14. “I think to play well in this conference, you gotta be able to take as many punches as you give, and I thought our guys really responded well,” said Smart, whose team has outscored its opponents 257-67 this year. “We really needed this kind of game— tough, physical, hard fought. Punch, punch back, punch, punch back because that’s how you play in the SEC. So I was proud of our guys for that. Probably played the most complete game we’ve played so far in terms of all the way around and responded well in the second half.” This upcoming week is the biggest regular season week for Georgia now. The Bulldogs travel to Tuscaloosa for a Top 10 matchup against Alabama, which hasn’t lost back-to-back games to Georgia in nearly 20 years. Georgia hasn’t won in Tuscaloosa since 2007, losing their last two trips by a combined 24 points. Smart is 0-3 against them in the regular season and 2-7 overall. “We’ve got to get better,” Smart said bluntly when asked about facing his former employer. “Whether it’s a complete game or an incomplete game, we’ve got to find a way to win. When you go against really good players, really good teams, you don’t beat yourself. The Dawgs are not supposed to beat the Dawgs.” On paper, Georgia has the better and more experienced roster. They’re more talented and have looked great thus far. But as legendary English soccer manager Brian Clough said, the game will be played on grass, not paper. That’s when Georgia will turn to its luck Saturday night in T-Town. f

arts & culture

feature

Athens VHS Fest FIVE YEARS OF CELEBRATING ANALOG MEDIA

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

SAM LIPKIN

technology advances, so does public skepticism when it comes to concerns around privacy and elements of consumerism. For example, do you actually own the digital media that you purchased? In most cases the answer is only so long as the platform hosting it continues to do so. When your internet service is experiencing issues, are you one of those people who has a stash of DVDs or VHS tapes at the ready for entertainment emergencies? Beyond the casual or accidental collectors is a community of people with a much deeper appreciation for analog media. A few years ago local creative Brad Staples of vhs.or.die went to an analog media event hosted by Videodrome and musician Michael Myerz at Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, and he was inspired to start a similar festival in Athens. The constant flow of people who were all interested in talking to others about this common hobby motivated Staples to start the Athens VHS Fest five years ago. The festival has expanded in recent years to incorporate events at multiple venues that appeal to different interests within the analog world. On Sunday, Oct. 11, a vendor market Brad Staples accompanied by live music will be hosted at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. from 1–5 p.m. There will also be a special VHS-inspired beer release over the weekend, a hazy IPA called Wow and Flutter. Musical performers at the event include Michael Myerz, Corporal Quigg, Jaguardini and DJ Goth Dad. “There’s a lot of history in Athens. I like to integrate the live music into the event,” says Staples. “The beauty of it is, for a while I was just gauging [interest] and meeting people. I would record a lot of shows myself and see a lot of bands, then digitize and upload it. But then I was able to be like, ‘What if they might want to perform?’ So it’s kind of been curated like that over the years. And Corporal Quigg, he’s been doing it every single year since day one.”

Following the market at Creature Comforts at 5 p.m., there will be a free screening of the cult classic Cemetery Man at Ciné. New this year is an afterparty at The World Famous starting at 7 p.m. with a suggested $5 donation. There will be live music by The Flying V and Orb Gang, with synthesized and glitched analog video layers by X-Phaze Optics. Attendees are encouraged to bring VHS tapes to be a part of the distorted backdrop visuals during the performance. As a personal touch that connects the festival to Staples’ interests and skills, a unique sketch-style promo video is recorded to VHS tapes that he designs and distributes for free each year. He creates the storyboard and includes Athens elements in the recording process, like music by local duo VHS Goblin. Then he spray paints the individual

VHS tapes and designs and assembles the exterior packaging. The tapes themselves are essentially recycled. “I just go and I grab Veggie Tales or whatever, and then I’ll just dub over that with my dubbing station right there. I’ve got a splitter that runs to four different VCRs, so I can record simultaneously over pre-existing tape, and then whenever the promo video is done, it’ll just go back to Veggie Tales or whatever,” says Staples. “I’m spending money on the tapes that I buy, and then I donate it for free. To me, it’s just the love and the fun that goes into it. Having the idea and then seeing it in that full, complete form, like a big stack of them, it’s very gratifying.”

One criticism of physical media in all forms is the waste that it produces when discarded. Items like VHS tapes, DVDs, vinyl records, etc. can take hundreds of years to break down in the landfill. As a collector, keeping analog media in rotation and use helps keep it out of the garbage. On the creator side, what Staples is doing gives unwanted VHS tapes a new life. “I was for the longest time trying to take old tapes, and then I would gut them, and I would like hydro dip them or spray paint them and make them look kind of swanky,” he says. Under vhs.or.die, Staples provides digitizing and archiving services as well as shooting music videos and films on older formats. He’s also networked with other filmmakers and created packaging the same way he designed the Athens VHS Fest promo video and made it distribution ready. He created physical tapes for local underground cinema collective Gonzoriffic’s Dr. Humpinstein’s Erotik Castle, Dain Marx’s Night of the Rumpus and Atlanta producer Ben Winston’s Hellbound. “I was born in ’88, so I grew up with more of the brick-and-mortar stores, like video stores, and renting VHS and then DVD. I’ve watched new technology out-mode the previous ones, and ultimately we’ve gone towards more streaming, but I feel that with VHS specifically it has more of that analog comfort to me. Things come in 20-year waves, it seems like. And VHS was kind of discontinued in mid-2000. So it’s about time that circles back around,” says Staples. Another reason for preferring physical media over streaming, says Staples, is censorship and the fact that some films never made a transfer beyond VHS or DVD. “There’s been many records of streaming movies that have been edited over. To me censorship of film, books, etc. is censorship of ideas, free speech, history and the ability to connect with others,” says Staples. “And many movies never made it to the digital world and/or had very little distribution. which can jeopardize the existence of those films, creating lost media.” The Athens VHS Fest is a treasure trove of media that isn’t easily found elsewhere, and there are connections to be made for both collectors and creators. For more info, visit vhsordie.com. For updates, visit instagram.com/vhs. or.die. f

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

arts & culture

calendar picks

Support Simon Joyner & The Ghosts Local Journalism MUSIC | THU, OCT. 8

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. (doors) • $12 (adv.), $15

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

Nebraska musician Simon Joyner’s career is full of understated successes. He first made a name for himself in the 1990s among peers of the lo-fi movement including Barbara Manning, David Berman and Bill Callahan. In 1994, Joyner received support from iconic British DJ John Peel, who played Joyner’s record from that year, The Cowardly Traveller Pays His Toll, in its entirety on one of his BBC programs. A favorite among other artists, Joyner’s work has been covered by the likes of Bright Eyes, Cut Worms, Lou Turner and more. Over the past three decades, he has released albums at a nonstop pace, with a discography that is now 19 albums strong. Joining Joyner for his current tour is fellow Nebraska musician David Nance, who is on his first solo tour in over 10 years. Locals McKendrick Bearden and Little Gold will also perform for the Athens stop. [Mary Beth Bryan]

lowed by Marion Montgomery and Glyn Denham, Veronika Jackson, Búhos de Oro Mariachi Band, Jesse Williams, Athens Cowboy Choir, The Four O’Clocks and Scott Low. On the International Fire Circle Stage, Nathan and Miki Lu Peters will kick off the performances at 1:15 p.m., followed by FolieTrad at 1:30 p.m., Beto Cacao at 2:30 p.m., Fawney Rig Beag! at 3:30 p.m. and an Open Irish Session at 4:30 p.m. Aside from the music, there will be numerous and varied art demonstrations and vendors, as well as food trucks and kids activities. This year’s festival art is an owl painting provided by Peter Loose. [MB] MUSIC | SAT, OCT. 10

Monterey Pop Festival

Terrapin Beer Co. • 11:30 a.m. (doors) • FREE! (12 and under), $15 (w/ student ID), $20 (adv.), $25

Aubrey Entertainment and Artist2Artist are hosting a lineup of local musicians for performances based on the original Monterey Pop Festival, a three-day concert held on

EVENT | FRI, OCT. 9

APQC Queer Prom Ciné • 7:30–10:30 p.m. • $15

Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s annual Queer Prom is back for 2026 to honor those who have influenced the queer community the most with the theme “Gay Icons.” Among these figures are the recently deceased Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, so the all-night dance event is also acting as a tribute to their lives and work. Queer Prom is one of APQC’s biggest events of the year, supporting its mission of advancing equity, affirmation, diversity and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area. According to the nonprofit, “Many older attendees describe it as the prom they never got to have, while younger attendees, many from small towns in surrounding counties, come to experience what queer APQC Queer Prom adulthood should feel like—vibrant, celebratory and unashamed.” Everyone ages 18 and older is invited to come out and celebrate the LGBTQ+ com- the Monterey County Fairgrounds in California in 1967. The event will have an atmosphere inspired by the festival, munity in their best icon outfits. [MB] local art, and recreations of iconic sets including those by MUSIC | FRI, OCT. 9 Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas & The Papas, Jefferson Airplane, The Association, Janis Joplin, Steve Miller Band, The Byrds, Grateful Dead, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who, Paul ButterFlicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. • $10 field Blues Band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s and Otis Redding. Written and recorded in just three months with very Attendees are invited to dress for the occasion in bell botlittle multitracking, Don Chambers’ 11th studio album, toms, fringe and tie-dye. Event proceeds will benefit the O Courage Heart, is all about capturing immediacy. ChamAthens Area Homeless Shelter, supporting its mission to bers explains that the songs contain “all the air and all the provide housing, resources, and pathways toward stability errors, none of the hesitation and digital perfectionism. for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We wanted to try to capture the experience of playing the Since Monterey Pop Festival is the same day as the North songs, the sheer joy and adventure of the moment, and I Georgia Folk Festival, each festival is offering $5 off wristbelieve we got that on this album.” His style is at its boldest bands at the door for those attending both events. [MB] and most experimental here, ranging from gospel songs EVENTS | OCT. 10–11 to rockers to ballads and following no set lyrical boundaries from track to track. The record was engineered and produced by David Barbe and features Chambers (guitar, Downtown Athens • Various Times • Registration Closed vocals), Chuck Bradburn (bass), John Barner (drums) and AthFest Educates’ annual half marathon and 5K fundChris Byron (piano, keyboards, loops), plus guest vocals raiser, in support of the nonprofit’s arts and music youth from Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers and Dave Marr education mission, will take place this weekend. On Saturof The Star Room Boys. Chambers will celebrate the release day, Oct. 10, a Health and Fitness Expo will be held at the of O Courage Heart alongside Lexington, KY musician Scott Classic Center Pavillion from 12–5 p.m., with vendors open Whiddon. [MB] to the public and packet pickup for registered runners. MUSIC | SAT, OCT. 10 The 5K begins at 3 p.m., slightly later than previous years, starting and finishing at the pavilion, with its course running along the Firefly Trail as it did last year. The half marSandy Creek Park • 11 a.m.–8 p.m. • FREE! (under 14), $10 (w/ athon, which begins at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 11, runs through student ID), $17 the Boulevard, Normaltown and Cobbham neighborhoods The annual North Georgia Folk Festival, now in its to the Five Points area before weaving through the UGA 41st year, is an effort by the Athens Folk Music and Dance campus and finishing at Sanford Stadium. Local bands and Society to celebrate, share and sustain folk, ethnic and DJs will be playing at the start and finish line of the 5K and traditional arts and music. This year’s festival will have two all along the half-marathon route to motivate participants, music stages, with the main stage hosting a new band every and those not running are encouraged to watch along the hour starting at 12 p.m. with Rebecca Sunshine Band, folcourse and help cheer on the runners. [Sam Lipkin] f

Don Chambers Album Release Show

AthHalf Half Marathon and 5K

North Georgia Folk Festival

ATHHALF.COM @ATHHALF

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OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

flagpole

FITNESS & HEALTH DIRECTORY Welcome to our 13th annual Flagpole Fitness & Health Directory. Below you will find businesses offering ways for you to get and stay fit, and how to be healthier in general. To be included in next year’s or our other special sections, contact the Flagpole Advertising Department: ads@flagpole.com or 706-549-0301.

HEALTH AND HEALING Anthony Chiropractic

Fourth Trimester Concierge Nursing

335 Hawthorne Ln.•706-543-5901•anthonychiropractic.com 100 Prince Ave., Unit 209•470-953-7574•fourthtrimesternursing.com Bringing baby home? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Fourth Trimester Concierge Nursing offers nurse-led, in-home newborn and parent support, helping you understand what’s normal, build confidence, and rest easier. Perfect for first-time parents, NICU graduates, busy families, and a meaningful gift from grandparents. Night nursing and on-call concierge support available throughout Athens and surrounding areas.

Proudly serving the Athens area for over 46 years, Anthony Chiropractic is a full-service clinic for all stages of life. Featuring on-site digital X-ray, they now offer non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and Shockwave therapy, specializing in disc and soft tissue injuries. Consultations are free for new patients, and they provide complimentary MRI reviews. Discover your full potential with Anthony Chiropractic today!

Classic Citiva

Heart Stone Therapeutics & Coaching

2226 Barnett Shoals Rd.•706-850-0308•Classiccitiva.com 2361 W. Broad St.•706-224-9505

740 Prince Ave., Ste. 13 & 14 Transform your life experiences into opportunities for deep, long-lasting healing alongside Heart Stone Therapeutic Healing & Coaching therapists. Their practitioners empathetically provide traumainformed, person-centered, and self-led therapy through a holistic perspective. They understand that each person experiences a life with unique needs and strengths, and desire to be a partner in your treatment. Reach out for a free consultation today!

Classic Citiva is a locally owned cannabis store with high-quality CBD and THC products. Their products include edibles, tinctures, drinks, topicals, and pre-rolls! From soothing sore muscles to decompressing after a long run, their knowledgeable cannabis consultants would love to help find the right product for your recovery. Open every day, no med card necessary!

Drench Wellness Studio

Hydrate GA

2350 Prince Ave. #9•706-286-4657•drenchwellnessstudio.com

100 Prince Ave., Unit 209, Ste. 201•706-395-5067•hydratega.com

Drench Wellness Sauna and Massage Studio offers Infrared Sauna, Cold Plunge, Massage Therapy, Stretch Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Reserve a private Infrared Sauna Suite, a contrast Sauna & Cold Plunge Suite or schedule a combo Massage & Sauna session to enhance your wellness routine.

Do you know what’s in your IV? At Hydrate GA, every custom drip is nurse-provided, preservative-free, and gluten-free: nothing extra, just what your body needs. Relax in their private Prince Avenue Suites, or let them come to you with their new mobile service across Athens and surrounding areas. Ask about peptides and Regenerative Protein Array (RPA) therapy!

East Georgia Cancer Coalition

Liesje Smith, Certified Adv. Rolfer

315 Riverbend Rd., Ste. 3006•706-821-1949•eastgeorgiacancer.org

160-6 Tracy Ln.•rolfingsmith.com•802-355-1227

The EGCC works to raise awareness, prevent and detect cancer, support patients and families, enhance survivors’ lives and prepare future leaders for the workforce within their region. Their work includes ensuring people in their region receive cancer prevention education, screenings, healthcare system navigation, family and survivor support and information about the latest cancer research discoveries.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

With Liesje Smith, clients explore a more comfortable way to move through Rolfing™ Structural Integration. Myofascial touch and movement education over ten progressive sessions address tension, posture, and movement patterns. The work aims to ease chronic pain and help clients feel more present and at home in their bodies.

flagpole FITNESS & HEALTH DIRECTORY

HEALTH AND HEALING Lighthouse Neuropsychology 706-850-9339•hello@athenslighthouse.com Lighthouse Neuropsychology is dedicated to answering questions you have about yourself, a loved one, or a client. Dr. Kate Finley’s expert neuropsychological evaluations identify conditions such as ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety and depression — offering clarity, official diagnoses with documentation, and a full report with your next steps for treatment and support. You’ll leave with understanding, validation, and a plan to move forward with confidence.

Kate Finley, PhD Clinical Neuropsychologist

NUTRITION Smoothie King 1591 S. Lumpkin St.•706-613-2600•smoothieking.com

MedLink Georgia

At Smoothie King, they believe feeling good should taste good too. Using their expertise to create blends that are delicious and nutritious so you can live and feel your best, whatever that looks like for you. From smoothies and bowls to loaded toasts and flatbreads, they are bringing you the Best Kind of Delicious™!

2000 Prince Ave.•706-521-3113•medlinkga.org Your health doesn’t fit into just one category, and neither does MedLink. With 35 locations across Northeast Georgia, MedLink brings primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, dental, eye care, behavioral health, diabetes and nutrition care, imaging, podiatry and pharmacy services closer to home. As a nonprofit community health center, MedLink offers affordable care with sliding fee discounts available for those who qualify.

EXERCISE

RECREATIONAL FITNESS Active Climbing 665 Barber St.•706-354-0038•activeclimbing.com

M3 Yoga & Hot Pilates 1260 S. Milledge Ave., Ste. E-1•175 Tracy St., Bldg. D 706-214-2233•m3yoga.com With two studios in Athens, M3 offers 70 weekly classes to fit your life and help you meet your goals. Stretch, strengthen, relax, and take time for self care. The new Boulevard Moon Studio on Tracy Street offers unheated yoga and Pilates. The 5 Points Sun Studio offers warm yoga, hot yoga and Hot Pilates. Intro Offer: 2 Weeks for $30.

The Studio Athens 160 Tracy St., Unit 8•706-850-0446•thestudioath.com The Studio Athens offers dance and fitness classes for all ages, genders, and bodies. Classes include ballet, burlesque, jazz, tap, swing, contemporary, and more! All experience levels are welcome. Take unlimited classes for 2 weeks for $30 with our Studio Starter Pass. Come dance, have fun, and find your community!

ATHENS, GA

Experience an excellent full-body exercise that rewards persistence and concentration above all else. They’re here to help you develop skill. They love climbing and they want you to love it, too! Inside or outside! This is not a gym, it’s a lifestyle and they have a wonderful community to show it. They also offer camps, climbing teams and birthday parties for kids! Go Climb!

Classic City Marathon, Half Marathon, & Marathon Relay - presented by Piedmont Athens Regional

@classiccitymarathon•classiccitymarathon.com

Saturday, March 20th, 2027 The joy and community of a big-city marathon, here in Athens! Run together. Walk together. Gather your friends and co-workers to volunteer for race day. Or sign up to create a Cheer Zone along the race course! See their website for lots of information, including free training runs every Saturday morning until race day.

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

arts & culture

feature

Arts + Health Laboratory HOW ART SUPPORTS HEALTHY AGING

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

collaborative event between the Woodruff Arts Center’s Arts + Health Laboratory and the city of Winterville will be held at the Marigold Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The free event will share the ways in which art can benefit the health and wellbeing of people with dementia and their caregivers. “It’s a growing problem,” said Winterville Mayor Dodd Ferrelle. “It seems like you hear more and more friends and family talking about family members having dementia or Alzheimer’s or some sort of cognitive issue as they get older. So, in our aging community, it’s something we can address. The arts are magical. I am an artist. My wife is an artist. Winterville is growing through the arts, and the arts have all kinds of magical healing powers, I believe.” The event will feature speakers within the arts, health care, aging services, higher education and local government to help attendees understand the science behind how art affects the brain and the role that artists can play in providing services for people with cognitive impairments as well as their caregivers. The research discussed will provide insights into the ways art and

wonderful things started coming our way… I attended a conference that was held here at Athena Studios where Sarah Bishop from the Alliance Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center gave a talk, and she’s won a grant to study the arts on brain health and the aging demographic but also brain injury.” This was of personal interest to Ferrelle as he had experienced a family member, Betsy Inglesby, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and died earlier this year. A short-form documentary titled

creative activities can help slow cognitive decline, regulate emotions, release stress- relieving dopamine and serotonin, and reduce stress-activating cortisol, among other benefits. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with others facing similar challenges or those considering how to implement arts in programs at their own organizations. This initiative is the result of the city of Winterville’s participation in a project by University of Georgia students in the Terry College of Business to develop a “creative cluster.” According to the Terry College of Business website, “Creative clusters are a way of thinking about the network of artists and services that make up a creative community as a complete unit to create a blueprint for economic development.” Ferrelle described this project as the catalyst for the Arts + Health LabDodd Ferrelle oratory event saying, “Once we partnered with David Sutherland and his class at the University of Georgia to kind Keeping Betsy will be screened during the of be a part of that and be that first city to Arts + Health Laboratory event that docube involved as a creative cluster, all these ments the story of Inglesby’s experiences.

Ferrelle hopes that attendees will reflect not only on the effect of Alzheimer’s and dementia on the person who has it, but also on the caregivers themselves. “When you’re diagnosed with something like that, it feels like everybody’s diagnosed all at once, and you all have a different diagnosis and different symptoms. You’re all navigating a brand new world.” The event will also introduce attendees to local resources such as the Meaningful Moments Memory Café, a periodic event held at the Winterville Cultural Center in collaboration with The Center at ACCA that offers creative activities, music and connection for those with dementia and their caregivers. Ferrelle also hopes that artists will attend to learn how they can serve this particular population and give back to the community in new ways. “I would love for all of my artist friends in the area to attend because they’re gonna walk away with some great ideas… There’s so many generous musicians and artists and performers, entertainers, writers and poets in the Athens area… There’s a group of drummers that’s going to be at the event and that’s gonna be a special activity right there… It’ll help them figure out how to use their talents in different ways,” said Ferrelle. Free registration is available on Eventbrite. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. program. A networking reception will be held at 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit wintervillecenter. com. f

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music

threats & promises

Telephone Pole’s Buy Me PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com GO TO THE PLACE: The next instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA, one of the very final occurrences of this incredibly thoughtful and decidedly curated series of live shows, happens Friday, Oct. 10. Featured that night is Gong Slayer (Albuquerque, NM), who performs what’s described as “experimental immersive gong drones.” Also on the bill are rock-solid locals Marcel Sletten (Chairs, Miracle House, et al) and Ohmu, which is the long-running electronic/ambient project from Winston Parker. New to Athens, via Portland, OR, is Dweomer, who also works in the ambient space, although that’s admittedly a severely shortened

bones of nearly every classic genre (blues, jazz, folk, country, R&B, et al) but with a sort of split-Appalachian-personality that can be very soothing and warm or bombastic and thrashing. He will celebrate its release with a show this same night at Flicker Theatre and Bar. Find the new record at donchambers.bandcamp.com. HEADS UP: It’s been a minute since we heard any new music from Drew Beskin (District Attorneys, Broasis, Party Dolls), but he’s just released his first new music of 2026. It’s a single named “Like Some Guilt Admission” and was produced by Tommy

Telephone Pole

description of the actual music. Want to know more? Well, get to the show, homie! Please remember to take 10 bucks for entry. Doors are at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. For more information, please see gongslayer.bandcamp.com, ohmushell. bandcamp.com, primordialvoid.bandcamp. com and dweomer.bandcamp.com. DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN: The new album by Don Chambers, O Courage Heart, comes out this Friday, Oct. 9. It opens with the curiously introduced “Strange Gramophone,” which is a nice enough acoustic tune, but starts grooving with the lead single “All The Water On Mars,” which brings us deeply into the fold where Chambers’ voice is both authoritative and comforting, even while seemingly existing somewhere on a knife’s edge. Perhaps the only other song here that expresses this in exactly the same way is the pensive and intense “Ventilator.” This is Chambers’ 11th studio album, and on it he’s got guests in the form of Patterson Hood and Dave Marr. It was written and recorded in three months, and engineer David Barbe delivered the goods. The doo-wop soul of “I Want You” is a nice pace changer, and the late-night tears of “Kiss Me When I’m Broken” are gently expressed across a lovely melody. For the uninitiated, Chambers plays American music informed by the

Trautwein, who also appears on the song along with Elijah Johnston and Gideon Johnston, who form Beskin’s band The Sunshine. The track itself is a nicely laid back tune, and Beskin’s vocals are warm and comfortable. There are traces of what sounds like either a banjo or mandolin, and these fleeting seconds give the song some additional texture but are never centered. Around the two-minute mark there’s a decidedly old-school-sounding organ solo that fits hand in glove. This is a mixtape- ready tune, so get to mixing. Find it on streaming services as we speak, and for more information, please see drewbeskin. com. KEEP ON TRUCKIN’!: Both Patterson Hood

and Mike Cooley are undertaking December solo tours, and tickets are on sale as we speak. Now, the closest Hood will come to Athens is Nashville on Dec. 4, but Cooley will play two shows in Decatur at Eddie’s Attic on Dec. 15 and 16. Interestingly, each tour comprises 12 shows. I’m not sure if they planned it that way, but it seemed like a nice symmetry to me. For tickets and more information, please see drivebytruckers.com. CALL ME: Time was once that you could throw a rock in any direction in Athens and you’d hit some dude who recorded a record on a

four-track recorder. One thing I’ve always really liked about this method is its required economy. Sure, you can bounce tracks to the Nth degree to mimic bigger studio setups, but most folks don’t. And from the sound of it, Athens band Telephone Pole didn’t. That’s good, because as sharp as the band’s new album, Buy Me, is, I honestly think it would suffer from too much extra action. Blasting off with the powerful guitar-led indie rocker “Proof,” then immediately following it with the twisty and broken- down country-folk sound of “You Can’t Remember You” perfectly displays two of the band’s sides. There’s a heavy glam-rock sensibility to the main riff of “60-Cycle Hum,” and both “Oil” and “Life Is A Drum” have the fingerprints of both Dinosaur, Jr. and Uncle Tupelo all over it. I’m also partial to the acoustic repose of “Cadillac.” This is a very hard album not to dig, especially if you appreciate the aural aesthetic of its creation. Telephone Pole next plays locally at Dead Beat Club on Oct. 16. Find the album at telephonepole.bandcamp.com, and for more information, please see instagram.com/telephonepoleband and telephonepoleband.com. HOOD RICH: Historic Athens has announced that this year’s Porchfest will occur Sunday, Oct. 18 from 1–8 p.m. and feature over 200 performances. Don’t even think about catching all of them or even a majority of them. Do plan on being pleasantly surprised by things you stumble across, people you meet and neighborhoods you might never otherwise visit. Originally hosted inside four neighborhoods, the event now spans Boulevard, Normaltown, Newtown, Cobbham, Buena Vista Heights and the Reese-Hancock area. New this year is a Kids Zone in coordination with Good Shepherd Church that will feature “family-friendly activities, fun performances, snacks and more.” I think we’re all mostly interested in these snacks they mention, but I digress. A special event-centered brew created by Athentic Brewing Co. will feature a can based on, and featuring the logo of, the Batrite baseball bat, which was manufactured in Athens by Hanna Manufacturing between 1911–1976. You can try the new brew at the Porchfest Kick-Off Party, which happens Friday, Oct. 16 at Athentic. This whole event is an undertaking of enormous proportions, and all involved should be thanked heartily. For more information on Porchfest, please see historicathensporch fest.com. For more information on Hanna Manufacturing, please see xbats.com/blog/ hanna-bats.htm. DEATH DISCO: Right at the end of last week, Tears For The Dying released its new single “Devour Me.” It’s a fairly mid-tempo track with all the goth and deathrock signposts that are part and parcel for the band. This may, though, be my favorite thing TFTD has ever produced. Led decisively by the bass line, it immediately reminded me of Jah Wobble (Public Image, LTD), and that’s a hell of a good door for a song to walk through. Band founder and leader Adria Stembridge reports that there are now five tracks completed for an upcoming 2027 album release. Find the new song wherever you stream music, and for more information, please see facebook.com/Tears ForTheDying. f

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OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

MUSIC 26 | 27

FEATURED PERFORMANCES

PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA with Five Pianos

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 at 7:30 p.m. $20 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

Hear pianistic fireworks featuring our piano area faculty and students. With five pianos on stage as well as multiple performers sharing the same piano, you are in for a treat!

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

AARON COPLAND

Lincoln Portrait

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

Celebrating America250, this evening includes Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, which is based on the always timely words of Abraham Lincoln and features Mark Mobley as narrator.

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HODGSON SINGERS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

The international award-winning Hodgson Singers is UGA’s premiere choral ensemble made up of many of the university’s most talented and dedicated singers.

FREE PERFORMANCES TREBLE CHOIR AND GLEE CLUB TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 at 7:30 p.m. HODGSON CONCERT HALL

FACULTYARTIST series

JOSHUA BYNUM ANATOLY SHELUDYAKOV piano trombone

WED. OCT. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall This event is free. Meet-and-greet reception to follow. RSVPs encouraged.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

October 15__________5 – 7 p.m.

Inspired by Edmonia Lewis’ connection to Rome, owner and sommelier Krista Slater will guide you through a special tasting of four Italian wines produced by women winemakers. Light snacks. 21+. $38 per person ($28 for Reciprocal-level members).

All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated. 09_23_HHSOM.indd 1

Wine TasTing Takeover WiTh The Lark

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music

feature

Women in STEM

the world is spooky, but your mental health doesn’t have to be!

FILLING US IN ON DEBUT ALBUM DEBRIEF

By Mary Beth Bryan music@flagpole.com

hen local indie power trio Women in STEM first formed, its members weren’t all that close. However, over the past four years what began as musical partnership grew into friendship, and friendship in turn became the foundation for a record. The band’s debut, Debrief, is out Oct. 11, named in honor of the hours of practice sessions heartily spent laughing and catching up. Women in STEM’s members—bassist Sam Caspary, drummer Finn Sleppy and guitarist Ella Adams—originally met through Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped program when they were in middle school. Cas-

listeners dance as it is to make them cry. Beyond its thematic contributions to the album, the girls’ close bond is also foundational to their songwriting process. Caspary explains that most of the songs on the record were written individually by her or Adams, then shared with the other members via voice memos or “mini-concerts” during their practices. Once the songs entered the group setting, they quickly took on new, communal lives. According to Adams, “even though the start of the songs would be written by one person, they really did become all of ours after we each pitched in our parts.”

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pary says the idea for the band’s name came before the band itself. When a “women in STEM” joke was made during a car ride with her brother, the phrase immediately struck her as what she would want to call her future band. After a year of knowing each other and “one failed attempt to get Finn to agree to the band,” Caspary successfully pitched Women in STEM to Sleppy and Adams, with the group officially taking form in the summer of 2022. The band’s first recorded effort is 2024‘s One Hundred Trillion Dollars. Caspary says that since releasing the EP, the trio’s “musical abilities, personalities, music style and friendship has shifted and grown so much.” One goal for Debrief was to capture that growth and create a snapshot of what Women in STEM have shaped into over the years. “Flutist’s Dream” is the only song from the band’s existing discography that will be on the record, revamped and re-recorded to serve as an example of this. On the other hand, the song “You Are,” a special collaborative effort between Caspary and Adams, has never even been played for the public before. The record is a thematic step forward, as well, containing heavier and more personal songs about grief, change, loss and vulnerability. Pieces of Caspary, Sleppy and Adams’ lives have been distilled into the songs in the form of voice memos, a choice Caspary says was “inspired by the amount of recordings from practice that were left running a few minutes too long and caught some heavy debrief.” Though it’s heavy, the girls hope that Debrief is equally suited to make

Sleppy says that for her this process mainly looks like thinking about what the song means to her, then “building off the bones of what Ella and Sam have already written.” She continues, “I find a lot of gratification adding finishing touches on the song structures and rhythm section.” The recording process itself also heavily shaped the songs on Debrief. Caspary says that time in the studio “makes you explore all of the extra things you can add to a song,” and Sleppy confirms that plenty of songs on the album were reworked before or during this stage. “There was also a lot of trial and error and a few songs didn’t make it into the album,” she adds. The record was also formed by appearances from several other local musicians, including AJ Adams, Arrow Callahan, Brodie Cade, Jasper Odom and Emerson McMaken, many of whom will join the band on stage for the release show on Oct. 11, which will be played alongside local supergroup Blue Stars. Debrief has been Women in STEM’s dream since the beginning, and after two years of writing and eight months of recording, it’s finally been realized. In the band’s words, “it was created with nothing but love, and you can feel it.” f

WHO: Women in STEM, Blue Stars WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) WHERE: Hendershot’s HOW MUCH: $10 (adv.), $12

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OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

live music calendar Tuesday 6

Athentic Brewing Co. 6–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com OPEN MIC NIGHT First Tuesdays hosted by Katie Collins. Daily Groceries Co-op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop JOE LEONE Acoustic originals with weird tunings and time signatures. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com IAN WHITE Session musician and Jack & Jealous co-founder exploring loss, redemption and belonging in his solo songs. IAIN COOKE Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who writes music that is equal parts confessional, composed and catchy. MASON THOMAS Musician from Alabama playing songs that dance around the spectrum of shoegaze, post-punk and power pop. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com ZOE LEMON Violinist and songwriter whose music is introspective and full of layered strings, lo-fi drums and warm vocals. SHLOMO FRANKLIN Bare bones troubadour raised in New York and currently based in Nashville, TN. FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA TREBLE CHOIR Performing repertoire for treble voices. GLEE CLUB Performing repertoire for tenor/bass voices. WUOG Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org EUCLID Alt-rock band drawing heavy inspiration from bands like Queens of the Stone Age, The Strokes, Title Fight, Sonic Youth and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Wednesday 7 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com LUNA Indie-rock band formed in 1991 by singer and guitarist Dean Wareham after the breakup of Galaxie 500. SISTER RAY DAVIES Shoegaze/ folk horror duo whose debut record is about an ancient religious outpost off the coast of Northern England. Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net DIRE WOLF Grateful Dead tribute band. (6 p.m.)

Dancz Center for New Music 3:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE The ensemble performs its annual fall concert. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $36.06–169.83. www.georgia theatre.com THE BROOK & THE BLUFF Indie-folk five-piece that hails from Birmingham, AL. THE SWAYS Indie trio crafting music rooted in friendship, fatherhood and a deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday life. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga CHELEKIS Atlanta band known for blending classic rock influences with a modern indie sound. TATTOO LOGIC Athens-based five piece funk punk band with compositional chops. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu FACULTY ARTIST SERIES Featuring trombonist Josh Bynum.

Hendershot’s 7:30–11 p.m. $7 (adv.), $10. www. hendershotsathens.com SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL DJ L.A. Darius leads a Latin dance party with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha-cha. An hour-long lesson is followed by open dancing. Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com REVEREND CONNER TRIBBLE Old-fashioned rock and roll with a sprinkle of good-humored irreverence.

Friday 9 Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com FLASH TO BANG TIME Legendary Athens group with a new lineup playing a mesmerizing and unusual style of dexterous avant-pop. WET MEADOWS Folky, botanical jazz rock inspired by natural forms and rhythms.

band The Scalded Dogs, now joined by Amy Borders on violin and viola and Chris Ellenburg on acoustic guitar. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $15. music.uga.edu HODGSON SINGERS The premiere, ambassadorial choral ensemble of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $20 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org DARRYL RHOADES Songwriter, comedian and author blending rock with elements of jazz, country, swing, heavy metal and rockabilly. MARVIN JACKSON Singer- songwriter and guitarist playing Americana. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga STEADY ROTATION Indie slacker rock from Tennessee.

Thursday 8 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.40watt.com CAT LITTLEPAGE Athens-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. EVEY MAY Athens indie alternative songwriter with post-punk and shoegaze influences. DOG (IN HUMAN COSTUME) Alternative rock band based out of Alpharetta and influenced by acts like The Pixies, Radiohead and Queens Of The Stone Age. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flicker theatreandbar.com SIMON JOYNER & THE GHOSTS Singer-songwriter from Omaha, NE who has been flying under the radar since 1991. DAVID NANCE Rock guitarist and singer-songwriter from Grand Island, NE known for his lo-fi sound. MCKENDRICK BEARDEN Athens- based alternative-rock artist whose music depicts the negatives and positives we all experience in life. LITTLE GOLD Local group playing garage rock with country and pop sensibilities. Solo show. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $29.03. www.georgiatheatre.com THE STEWS Rock band originally formed while its members attended Auburn University that has since graduated from the “college band” label. THE SEVEN TWO Indie rock to country, classic rock to folk music from four UGA students. The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

Microwave is playing at the Georgia Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 10. FOURTH MANSIONS Local project spearheaded by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Rowe blending folk, art rock and experimental elements. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com DON CHAMBERS Longtime local favorite who delves into pastoral folk and experimental rock with equal passion. Album release show! SCOTT WHIDDON Musician, writer and teacher from Lexington, KY. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $32.95. www.georgiatheatre.com JON LANGSTON Georgia-born singer-songwriter whose first self- penned song, “Forever Girl,” was a breakthrough hit. Hendershot’s Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.hendershotsathens.com THE WELFARE LINERS Five- piece local bluegrass unit blending classic tunes with melodic, high- lonesome originals. TONY TIDWELL & FRIENDS Musician from South Carolina who was the force behind ’90s rock

TWIN SCHEMATIC Athens-based space rock band. Rocket Hall 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $20 (OCAF members), $25 (non-members). www.ocaf.com CAROLINE AIKEN Internationally acclaimed folk songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night. Terrapin Beer Co. 5:30–8 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com JIM COOK High-energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music.

Saturday 10 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13 (adv.), $15. www.40watt.com NOW IT’S OVERHEAD Indie rock project of Andy LeMaster that first emerged in the early 2000s. LONA Band started by Clay Leverett (Bright Eyes) that shifts from rock and roll to honky-tonk at the drop of a hat.

ATHICA Sonic Space. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.athica.org GONG SLAYER Experimental immersive gong drones from Albuquerque, NM. OHMU Abstract ambient solo project of Winston Parker, creating ruptured beds of high volume sound draped in fog and frenetic sound reactive lighting. MARCEL SLETTEN California-born and Athens-based electronic music producer, composer and artist whose sound varies from peaceful to intense. DWEOMER Urban Druidic synthesizer music from Portland transplant. Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net BILL DEMARCO Performing Americana covers. (9 a.m.) Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com VECTORY GARDENS Side project of composer and multi-instrumentalist Peter Van Zandt Lane that draws from a mélange of post-rock, indie, modern folk, electronic, jazz and avant garde influences. STRANGE LUCK High-energy danceable rock four-piece band from Athens/Commerce/Jefferson. THE EMPLOYMENT PAGES Songwriting project of Athens- based musician Brandon Quarles, inspired by indie rock, electronica and contemporary classical. Flicker Theatre & Bar Shadebeast Presents. 8:30 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar.com BEAST MODE Blackened thrash metal outfit writing fast, intricate, heavy riffs. MEAN GREEN Three-piece sludge outfit from Boone, NC armed with riffs as thick as a bowl of cold grits. AURALAYER Greenville, SC trio that brings pop melodies to the forefront of their sound, ensuring that the heaviness hits with exceptional impact. Flying Squid Comedy 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com BEAT UP Local punks resisting the darkest timeline. STRIKEFIRST Atlanta’s finest oi! band. THE SECOND HANDS Local ass- shakin’ insurrection rock Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook NORMA RAE Singing songs addressing contemporary Southern concerns from a female perspective. Georgia Theatre 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $41.58. www.georgiatheatre.com MICROWAVE Atlanta-based band formed in 2012 whose sound combines emo, pop-punk and post- hardcore. FREE THROW Emo band from Nashville, TN whose songs cover topics like alcoholism, addiction, body image and relationship struggles. CARLY COSGROVE Emo band from the Philadelphia underground laying vulnerable lyrics atop a bed of mathy rhythms. FLYCATCHER New Jersey-based emo quartet formed in 2016.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 9 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $12. www. georgiatheatre.com LATIN HOUSE NIGHT Spinning all the best Latin house music until late. Hendershot’s 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. (two sets). $20 (adv.), $25. www.hendershotsathens.com SEGAR JAZZ AFFAIR WXAG radio DJ Dwain Segar curates a night of smooth jazz. JOHN DUNN & THE JAZZMAN BAND Jazz musician who has opened for legends such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Kool & The Gang. Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 7 p.m. $25. www.wintervillecenter. com MATT VENUTI An immersive live music and visual journey that explores human consciousness and space. Nové Mesto 9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ novemestolagerhaus HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY Dance party on the patio with DJ Q, costumes encouraged. Nowhere Bar Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (two sets). $10 (w/ student ID), $12 (adv.), $15. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga ORGAN FAIRCHILD Instrumental funk jam powerhouse with a signature organ-trio-meets-rock-band sound. Nuçi’s Space 3:30 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show). FREE! www.nuci.org CAMP AMPED AFTER SCHOOL FALL FINALE Campers show off what they’ve learned. Sandy Creek Park North Georgia Folk Festival. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. FREE! (under 14), $10 (w/ student ID), $17. www.northgeorgia folkfestival.org REBECCA SUNSHINE BAND Fun, interactive music to get everyone singing and dancing. The band brings extra instruments for kids to play along. (12 p.m.) MARION MONTGOMERY AND GLYN DENHAM Bluesy local acoustic folk duo. (1 p.m.) NATHAN AND MIKI LU PETERS Musicians from local Irish band Fawney Rig. (1:15 p.m.) FOLIETRAD Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes and originals. (1:30 p.m.) VERONIKA JACKSON Acoustic folk and blues singer based in Decatur. (2 p.m.) BETO CACAO Sharing Guatemalan music. (2:30 p.m.) BÚHOS DE ORO MARIACHI BAND A professional group of classically trained musicians keeping the rich culture of Mexico alive through music. (3 p.m.) FAWNEY RIG BEAG! Local Irish folk-rock project. (3:30 p.m.) JESSE WILLIAMS North Georgia singer-songwriter whose sound is grounded in sultry, sweet blues infused with warm soul and melody medicine.(4 p.m.) OPEN IRISH SESSION Gathering of local musicians playing Irish music. (4:30 p.m.) ATHENS COWBOY CHOIR Group that sings the songs of the West, inspired by the Norman Luboff Choir from the 1950s. (5 p.m.)

THE FOUR O’CLOCKS Hard drivin’ old time music from Atlanta. (6 p.m.) SCOTT LOW Rustic folk singer- songwriter and former Athenian whose music is also inspired by jazz, punk and Southern rock. (7 p.m.) Terrapin Beer Co. Monterey Pop Festival. 11:30 a.m. (doors). $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/ MontereyPopFestAthensStyle WILLIAM TONKS & NEIL PRIEST Covering Simon & Garfunkel. (12:10 p.m.) CHECK THE SIGNS & LAUREN VALENTINE Check The Signs covers The Mamas & The Papas, Jefferson Airplane and The Association, then Lauren Valentine joins for a set of Janis Joplin tunes. (12:55 p.m.) JANET & THE NEW DOGS Covering Paul Butterfield Blues Band. (2:10 p.m.) THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND Covering Booker T. & the M.G.’s. (3 p.m.) ELITE ELLISON & THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND Covering Otis Redding. (3:15 p.m.) DIRE WOLF Grateful Dead cover band. (4 p.m.) THE WRAPS Covering Steve Miller Band and The Byrds. (4:50 p.m.) CLASSIC CITY JUKEBOX Covering The Who. (5:40 p.m.) GIMME HENDRIX Jimi Hendrix & The Experience cover band. (6:30 p.m.)

Sunday 11 Creature Comforts Brewery Athens VHS Fest. 1–5 p.m. FREE! www.vhsordie.com MICHAEL MYERZ Experimental hip hop artist. CORPORAL QUIGG Lo-fi experimental electronic dance punk and multi media artist. JAGUARDINI Combining the sounds of old video games and synthesizers to create a live blend of lo-fi synthpop. DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-punk and more. The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music. Hendershot’s 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens.com ARTISTS AGAINST FASCISM A showcase and gathering of creatives hosted by Mikhayla Smith. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.hendershots athens.com CLASSICAL REVOLUTION Open classical play by local musicians. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots athens.com WOMEN IN STEM Indie rock girl trio with a power complex and lots of love. Album release show! BLUE STARS Side project formed by four musicians from different corners of the Athens music scene: Claire Campbell, Andrea DeMarcus, Joe Rowe and Dan Nettles. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 3 p.m. FREE! www.classiccityband.org CLASSIC CITY BAND The community band’s 50th anniversary concert with a special presentation from Mayor Kelly Girtz. Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com FOLIE À CINQ Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes, and

originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitars, accordion, and double bass. The World Famous 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous athens ATHENS VHS FEST AFTERPARTY Bring your VHS tapes and be a part of the distorted backdrop visuals to live musical acts The Flying V and Orb Gang.

Monday 12 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30 (adv.), $35. www.40watt.com ALL THEM WITCHES Versatile hard rock quartet formed in Nashville, TN in 2012 that thrive on contrast. EMMA RUTH RUNDLE Visual artist, guitarist and singer-songwriter who lives in Portland, OR, known also for her work in bands including Marriages, Red Sparowes and Nocturnes. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens. com HAUNT ME The brainchild of vocalist and multi instrumentalist Darius Davila, currently performing as a trio. K3YP4RTY Sinister electropunk duo built to dominate. ELECTRIC GEMINI Heavy Atlanta sludge rock trio alternating between slow hypnotic grooves and fast shredding. Flicker Theatre & Bar 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. $8. www.flicker theatreandbar.com ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Performing a live accompaniment for two 16 mm screenings of the 1922 Nosferatu film. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music. Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown brewingco.com MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $15. music.uga.edu FACULTY CHAMBER SERIES Mendelssohn’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in B-Flat Major performed by James Kim and Emely Phelps followed by Brahms Horn Trio op. 40 arranged for violin, viola and piano performed by Levon Ambartsumian, Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva and Alan Woo.

Tuesday 13 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $15. www.flickertheatreandbar. com WES PARKER Uneasy, fuzzed-out indie musician from Richmond, VA with a polished and lyrical flair. TERMINALLY PHIL Athens-based singer-songwriter and meme lord Phillip Brantley (Modern Skirts, Palace Doctor) creates indie rock with a sense of humor. Hendershot’s 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $12. www.hendershotsathens.com COUSIN CLEM Rockin’ and rollin’ Americana. HARLOW Folk-rock band from Minneapolis, MN touring for the release of its sophomore album, Dumb Luck.

THE UNBELIEVING DOG Power pop alt-country songs from Iain Cooke and friends. ORION DEREVERE Local guitarist and singer-songwriter who’s been playing music since childhood. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $35–75 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu CANTRIP Scottish band with swirling border pipes, fiery fiddle, thunderous guitar and rich vocal harmonies. Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens OPEN MIC Live music from talented local musicians, hosted on Tuesdays by Rudy Montayre. WUOG Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org MEDIEVIL ARCHITECTURE Medieval punk rock band.

Wednesday 14 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country. Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net HIBBS FAMILY BAND Quartet of family members combining the textures and rhythms of bluegrass and folk music with alt-rock melodic sensibilities and lyricism. (6 p.m.) Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $12. www.deadbeatathens.com YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, groovy, soft-loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements. PTEROCAT Project that started as a collaboration between Brazilian artist Thaïs Dahas and Atlanta artist Colby Granger, fusing Brazilian influences, dreampop, indie, art pop and shoegaze. ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space- themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.instagram.com/nowherebarathensga BEGGAR WEEDS Three energetic punk country-blues bumpkins from Jacksonville, FL. THE CADETS Conjuring the early days of rock and roll, sci-fi adventures, and diary entries never intended for the light of day. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA HORN CHOIR An ensemble of both horn majors and non- majors attending the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Ramsey Hall 5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu JAZZ ENSEMBLE I Hugh Hodgson’s advanced-level big band performing a variety of styles, including swing, be-bop, latin and contemporary jazz. JAZZ ENSEMBLE II Ensemble that introduces students to the experience of performing a variety of styles in a traditional big band. f

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Wednesday 7

event calendar

ART: Artful Conversation: “Cosmogony” (Georgia Museum of Art) Mallory Lind, associate curator of community engagement and outreach, will lead a conversation on Irene Zevon’s abstract painting “Cosmogony.” 2 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) After a series of random suicides are attributed to a heatwave, a pathologist suspects a maniac may be responsible in Autopsy. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/bloodeverywhere.athens FILM: Survivor Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a weekly watch party for season 51 of “Survivor.” Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.indigo athens.com

GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer Oak Street) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Dos Palmas) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longest-running spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader is David Oates. 6 p.m. (sign-ups), 7 p.m. (poetry). FREE! www.facebook. com/athenswordofmouth

Thursday 8 ART: Opening Reception (Athentic Brewing Co.) Nature-themed paintings by local artist Rachel Ankirskiy will be on view. 6–9:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com CLASSES: Creative Aging Seated Yoga (Georgia Museum of Art) This class will include restorative stretching, deep breathing and mindfulness. All levels welcome. RSVP by email. 10:30 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-grown townie

art around town ACC LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) In the Bogue Gallery, the exhibition “Hers and His” features paintings and drawings by Cynzia Sanchez and works created with found objects by Edward Toledano. Through Nov. 1. AMICI AT THE FALLS (8851 Macon Hwy.) “Bulldawg Season” features UGA football themed works by Camille Hayes. Through October. ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Erin Johnson: The Measure is Something Else” is the first survey exhibition of work by the artist and filmmaker, exploring ecology, science, nationalism and queer worldmaking through film and installation. Through Mar. 20, 2027. • “Megan Ledbetter: The Field (2022–2026)” features photographs of a historic municipal cemetery in Red Bank, TN that was in operation from 1890–1912. Through Nov. 21. ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) Impressionist paintings inspired by nature by Rachel Ankirskiy are on view. Artist Reception Oct. 8, 6:30–9 p.m. Through November. ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Coloring Book: It’s All Beautiful Now” features whimsical and surreal paintings and drawings by Joel Cothran derived from his sketchbooks. Through Nov. 25. AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) “Botanicals and Animals” features paintings by Judy Hammond. Through December. BMA STUDIO (1354 S. Milledge Ave.) Floral paintings by Caroline Stroud are on display and available for purchase. Through November. CIRCLE GALLERY (285 South Jackson St.) The exhibition “An Unflinching Look: Elegy for the Wetlands” featuring photography by Benjamin Dimmitt is on view. Through Oct. 17. DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In the West Gallery, “Runner Up” features multimedia works by Victoria Dugger, recipient of the 2026 Margie E. West Alumni Prize, which examines Black girlhood, disability and the Southern Gothic. Through Nov. 20. • In the Lupin Foundation Gallery, “Cornucopia: Ties That Bind” is a curated collection of works by renowned artists of color. Through Nov. 20. • In the Plaza Gallery, “True Conceal” is an exhibition of new work by collaborators Katie Hargrave and Meredith Lynn from their Bad Outdoorsman series. Through Nov. 20. • In the Mills Family Gallery,

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-form), 8 p.m. (long-form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com COMEDY: The Heavy Hitters of Comedy (The Classic Center) Comedians Earthquake and Adele Givens headline with special guests Bishop and MC Lightfoot. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $53.25– 139.75. www.classiccenter.com EVENTS: Fall Fair Getaway (Howard Park & Community Center) Three-day round trip travel to a variety of locations in Warner Robins, Perry and Fort Valley. Oct. 8–10. $100 (ACC resident), $150 (non-resident). www.accgov.com/ myrec EVENTS: 15th Annual Native Plant Sale (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Browse plants for sale, and experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space. Oct. 8–9, 2–6 p.m. Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. bot garden.uga.edu EVENTS: Right Size Technology (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn practical tips for how to avoid overpaying for technology and choosing the right security for creative needs. 5:30 p.m. (social), 6 p.m. (program). FREE! www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse FILM: House (Hausu) (Ciné) Screening of the 1977 psychedelic ghost tale with a live film history podcast hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate. 8 p.m. $15. www. athenscine.com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library) All skill levels can join for Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Happy Hour Trivia (The Rook and Pawn) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nikolai. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.therookand pawn.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com LECTURES & LIT: Arts + Health Laboratory (Marigold Auditorium) Learn about the role of the arts in healthy aging, community vitality and lifelong wellbeing. Registration encouraged. 10 a.m. FREE! www. wintervillecenter.com LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk & Book Signing (ACC Library) Carol Gilligan will discuss her new book Solstice about the human psychology behind a complex marriage between a dancer and a journalist. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org MEETINGS: Pencil Pushers Drink & Draw (Hendershot’s) Hang out and draw on the paper-covered tables or bring your own sketchbook. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart PERFORMANCE: Ten Thousand Hours (Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall) Australian contemporary circus company Gravity & Other Myths present a spectacle of breathtaking tricks. 7:30 p.m. $49–85. pac. uga.edu

“Through Service We Grow” is a new body of work by Dodd photography faculty Blake Jacobsen. Through Nov. 20. • In the Bridge Gallery, “I hope this finds you well” explores methods of communicating and working together. Through Nov. 20. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Annual Halloween art show featuring various local artists. Through October. FOYER (135 Park Ave.) “New Faith” features plexiglass and ceramic sculptures by Ethan Snow inspired by medieval art that explore artificial intelligence, technology and devotion. Open by appointment through Oct. 11. GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone” features sculptures by the 19th-century Black and Indigenous artist Edmonia Lewis. Through Jan. 3, 2027. HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) Works by Susan Pelham featuring surreal landscapes, cats and characters are on display. Through October. HISTORIC ATHENS WELCOME CENTER (280 E. Dougherty St.) Photography of Southern cemeteries and funerary art by Jennifer Keane and Caitlin Short are on display. Through October. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.). “It Came to Me in a Dream” features paintings by self-taught Georgia artist Valton Murray exploring dreamlike landscapes and abstract forms rooted in memory and personal history. Through Oct. 10. • “Interwoven” features paintings and ceramic sculptures by Athens-based artist Jennifer Heynen inspired by the coast, combining loose brushwork with free-form weaving in yarn, string, wire, beads and sequins. Through Oct. 10. • In the Lobby Case, “Lotus” features ceramics by Isabell Daniel incorporating the Buddhist mandala and the symbolic lotus flower. Through Dec. 5. • “Rooted” features works by Clarke County School District students inspired by the theme of community. Through Jan. 23, 2027. • “BEE CITY OF NOW” is a 24-foot model community for bees by Swannatopia and Experimental Art Club, installed on the Arts Center’s second-floor outdoor patio. Through May 1, 2027. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October. OCAF (34 School St., Watkinsville) The Georgia Watercolor Society’s 2026 Annual Member Juried Exhibition is on view alongside watercolor pieces by

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: The Phantom Tollbooth (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown presents a production of the fantasy novel brought to the stage featuring a whimsical adventure. $20. Oct. 8–10, 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 2 p.m. www.townandgownplayers.org

Friday 9 ART: Opening Reception (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Five new exhibitions across the galleries are on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www. wintervillecenter.com CLASSES: Gallery Mindfulness (Lyndon House Arts Center) Participants will be guided through mindfulness practices and reconnect in the gallery environment. 2–3 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse COMEDY: Improv Athens (UGA Miller Learning Center) UGA’s improv troupe performs a show. Room 248. Fridays, 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/improv athens EVENTS: Fall Plant Sale (UGA Horticultural Farm) Browse indoor tropical and succulent collections in benefit of the garden’s activities, improvements and maintenance. Oct. 9 & 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 12–5 p.m. ugatrial.hort.uga.edu EVENTS: Fall Fair Getaway (Howard Park & Community Center) Three-day round trip travel to a variety of locations in Warner Robins, Perry and Fort Valley. Oct. 8–10. $100 (ACC resident), $150 (non-resident). www.accgov.com/ myrec

EVENTS: 15th Annual Native Plant Sale (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Browse plants for sale, and experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space. Oct. 8–9, 2–6 p.m. Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. bot garden.uga.edu EVENTS: Spirits Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to sample Oak House Distillery’s vodka, gin and rum. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.shop tonique.com EVENTS: Death & Mourning Tour (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Visit the oldest surviving house in Athens and learn about traditional mourning customs of the early 1800s during a guided tour. Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $20. www.athenswelcomecenter.com EVENTS: APQC Queer Prom (Ciné) Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s annual Queer Prom hosts an all- night dance party with a tribute to Dolly Parton and Tim Curry. 7:30–10:30 p.m. $15. www.athens pride.org GAMES: Euchre Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join others to play Euchre. Fridays, 2–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia THEATER: The Phantom Tollbooth (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown presents a production of the fantasy novel brought to the stage featuring a whimsical adventure. $20. Oct. 8–10, 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 2 p.m. www.townandgownplayers.org

Saturday 10 CLASSES: Crafting with Claire (ACC Library) All skill levels invited to learn how to knit drink coasters in

Diana Toma. Through Nov. 6. STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Truth in Art” is a juried exhibition of pieces across a variety of mediums by MFA students. Through Nov. 21. THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) “The Cocktail Series” features photography by Christina Howells. Meet the artist Nov. 4, 5–8 p.m. Through Nov. 7. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Through October. • “Seeking Intrinsic Essence, Whatever Direction: The Photography of Nancy Ellison” features portraits and behind-the-scenes photographs of Hollywood celebrities from the 1970s–1990s. Through Dec. 23. • “Game. Set. Match: The History of UGA Women’s Tennis” shares the 100-year history of women’s tennis at UGA. Through April 2027. UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (230 River Rd.) In the Lobby Gallery is “Antiques” by Margaret Morrison featuring large canvas works depicting scenes from her visits to Italian antique markets. Through January 2027. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP (780 Timothy Rd.) “Mystery Pet Portrait” features portraits of community members’ pets painted by artists from the congregation. Through Nov. 6. WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) In the Foyer Gallery, “Detention Of Empathy” will feature portrait paintings by Laura Floyd depicting people who have faced detention by ICE agents. Opening reception Oct. 9, 5–7 p.m. Through October. • In Gallery 1, “UGA MFA Invitational 2026” exhibits works curated by Yu-Kai Lin with selected works by current MFA students. Opening reception Oct. 9, 5–7 p.m. On view Oct. 7–Dec. 15. • In Gallery 2, “Small Works: 2026 National Juried Competition” returns with small scale contemporary works selected by juror Yu-Kai Lin. Opening reception Oct. 9, 5–7 p.m. On view Oct. 7–Dec. 15. • In the Garden Gallery Case, ceramic pieces by Lindsay Swan are on display. Opening reception Oct. 9, 5–7 p.m. On view Oct. 7–Dec. 15. • In the Long Gallery, “In a Moon Age Daydream” features paintings by Katie Brick • In the Music Room Gallery, “Through An Open Window” exhibits works in collaboration with Project Safe. Opening reception Oct. 9, 5–7 p.m. Through October. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

cozy fall colors. All materials provided. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-market EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods with live music, kids activities and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com EVENTS: 15th Annual Native Plant Sale (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Browse plants for sale, and experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space. Oct. 8–9, 2–6 p.m. Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. bot garden.uga.edu EVENTS: Fall Plant Sale (UGA Horticultural Farm) Browse indoor tropical and succulent collections in benefit of the garden’s activities, improvements and maintenance. Oct. 9 & 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 12–5 p.m. ugatrial.hort.uga.edu EVENTS: The Space Between (Land Family Home) Join for brunch or dinner with artwork on display, an artist talk and live music. 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. $55. www.christinajoy studio.com/the-space-between EVENTS: Columbus Day at Washington Farms (Washington Farms) A family-friendly event featuring farm activities and attractions suitable for all ages. $24. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.washingtonfarms.net EVENTS: Fall Fair Getaway (Howard Park & Community Center) Three-day round trip travel to a variety of locations in Warner Robins, Perry and Fort Valley. Oct. 8–10. $100 (ACC resident), $150 (non- resident). www.accgov.com/myrec EVENTS: North Georgia Folk Festival (Sandy Creek Park) This 41st annual festival will showcase musicians, artists and craftspeople from around North Georgia. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. FREE! (kids under 12), $10 (students), $17. www.athensfolk.org EVENTS: Grand Opening (Central Bark Athens) There will be local vendors, facility tours, opportunities to meet the staff and more. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. www.centralbarkusa. com/athens EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens EVENTS: AthFest Educates 5K (440 Foundry Pavilion) The 10th annual 5K in benefit of AthFest Educates with a shorter course and live music to cheer on participants with a Health and Fitness Expo at the Classic Center Pavilion. 12–5 p.m. (expo), 3 p.m. (5K). www. athhalf.com EVENTS: In the Zone: A Twilight Zone Retrospective (Bogart Library) Celebrate the 67th anniversary of the classic sci-fi series with discussions, trivia, viewings of fan favorite episodes and more. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart EVENTS: Harriet Powers & A Community Quilt (ACC Library) In

honor of the prominent folk artist, people of all skill levels are invited to work on a community quilt. Oct. 6, 5–8 p.m. Oct. 10, 2–5 p.m. Oct. 12, 5–8 p.m. www.athenslibrary. com EVENTS: Market Day (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Pop-up community market with local vendors, live music, family-friendly activities and themed cooking contests. 3–5 p.m. www.athenswelcomecenter. com GAMES: Day of Board Game Demostrations (Tyche’s Games) Drop- in and try new games. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychegames.com KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Museum Mystery (Georgia Museum of Art) Play gallery games, enjoy interactive storytime and create your own take-home project. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org KIDSTUFF: Family Day (Lyndon House Arts Center) Explore hands- on art activities inspired by the current exhibitions. Registration encouraged. 12–2 p.m. FREE! www. accgovga.myrec.com MEETINGS: CD Swap (Hendershot’s) Swap for keeps or borrow CD albums, mixes and playlists. 2–4 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PERFORMANCE: Fire When Ready (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Enjoy a dance party with Raticus Mensch and fire-spinning performances by Athens Burn Consortium. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/little kingsshuffleclub SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Macon Mayhem (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 3:05 p.m. $19.50. www.classiccenter.com THEATER: The Phantom Tollbooth (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown presents a production of the fantasy novel brought to the stage featuring a whimsical adventure. $20. Oct. 8–10, 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 2 p.m. www.townandgownplayers.org

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: General Knowledge Trivia (Normaltown Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Sundays, 4–6 p.m. www.normaltown brewingco.com LECTURES & LIT: A Poetry Reading (Emmanuel Episcopal Church) The Three Rivers Poets will deliver a widely-varied program of original poems with a reception to follow. 3 p.m. FREE! www.emmanuelathens. org MEETINGS: Philosophy Cafe (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join members of the UGA Philosophy Department for discussions on various philosophical topics. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Classic City Roller Derby Double Header (Fun Galaxy Athens) Halloween home bout versus Greenville then the Tragic City Rollers. 8:30 a.m. (doors), 9 a.m. (game 1), 11 a.m. (game 2). $12 (adv.), $15. www.classiccityroller girls.com

honor of the prominent folk artist, people of all skill levels are invited to work on a community quilt. Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Oct. 6, 5–8 p.m. Oct. 10, 2–5 p.m. Oct. 12, 5–8 p.m. www.athenslibrary.com FILM: Nosferatu (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Two screenings of the 1922 film on 16 mm with a live score performed by Organically Programmed. 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. $8. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general

Sunday 11 CLASSES: Echoes of the Hangsiphere (Sangha Yoga Studio) Matt Venuti leads participants through an immersive journey of Haang musical stylings. 5 p.m. $20–25. www. healingartscentre.net COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com EVENTS: AthHalf Half Marathon (Downtown Athens) The 17th annual marathon in benefit of AthFest Educates with a winding course and live music to cheer on participants. 7:30 a.m. www.athhalf.com EVENTS: Fall Plant Sale (UGA Horticultural Farm) Browse indoor tropical and succulent collections in benefit of the garden’s activities, improvements and maintenance. Oct. 9 & 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 12–5 p.m. ugatrial.hort.uga.edu EVENTS: Athens VHS Fest (Creature Comforts Brewery) Fifth annual festival celebrating analog media with vendors, tape swaps, live music and more. 1–5 p.m. FREE! www.vhsordie.com EVENTS: Fall Festival (Beechwood Shopping Center) Browse handcrafted items and treats, plus face painting and more. 2–4 p.m. www. instagram.com/beechwoodathens FILM: Cemetery Man (Ciné) As part of Athens VHS Fest 2026, there will be a screening of the Michele Soavi film. 5 p.m. FREE! www.vhsordie. com

David Mack’s work is part of the annual Halloween art show at Flicker Theatre and Bar up now through the end of October. SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: The Phantom Tollbooth (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown presents a production of the fantasy novel brought to the stage featuring a whimsical adventure. $20. Oct. 8–10, 8 p.m. Oct. 11, 2 p.m. www.townandgownplayers.org

Monday 12 COMEDY: Daniel Tosh (The Classic Center) The comedian known for his show “TOSH.0” on Comedy Central is performing “My First Farewell Tour.” 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $54.75–239.25. www. classiccenter.com EVENTS: Plant & Seed Swap (ACC Library) Share and swap outdoor and indoor plants and seeds. 4–6 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Oconee County Bat Festival (Heritage Park) There will be educational talks, local vendors, games, activities, crafts, food and a bat walk. 4–8 p.m. FREE! 706- 542-7078 EVENTS: Harriet Powers & A Community Quilt (ACC Library) In

trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Brett’s Backyard) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Oconee County Library) Writing challenges and discussions in a group setting. Second Mondays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/writersofoconee

Tuesday 13 ART: Toddler Tuesday: S.T.E.A.M. Play (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa- tours@uga.edu CLASSES: Meet Me at the Garden (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) A therapeutic horticulture program for individuals with early to mid- stage dementia and their care partners. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu

CLASSES: Google Sheets (ACC Library) Learn the basics of organizing and calculating with this spreadsheet program. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Appreciating Bats (Clarke County Extension Office) Learn about the importance of bats and how to support them in our community. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/gardening EVENTS: Evening with a Ghost Hunter (Bogart Library) Join Paul Johns from Northeast Georgia Paranormal Investigations to learn about ghost hunting. 5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart EVENTS: Family Craft Night: Pumpkin Painting Party (Lay Park Community Center) Bring the family to paint a pumpkin. 6 p.m. $15 (ACC resident), $22.50 (non-resident). www.accgov.com/myrec EVENTS: Garden Nights (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Enjoy an after hours tour of the garden plus beverages and a painting lesson by Jason Young, director of Horticulture and Grounds. Ages 18 & up. 6:30 p.m. $10 (members), $25 (non-members). botgarden. uga.edu FILM: Ocean with David Attenborough (UGA Tate Student Center) Screening of the documentary that explores the beauty of our oceans, the challenges they face and the solutions already within reach. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary. org FILM: Brews & Boos Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the family-friendly Casper. 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (UGA Special Collections Library) Beth Tobin will discuss her new book Loving Insects about the life and work of an early American naturalist. 5 p.m. FREE! libs.uga.edu MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your

own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 14 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: French Class (Oconee County Library) Join instructor Emma Auer to learn the basics of the French language. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Survivor Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a weekly watch party for season 51. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Bingo (Oconee County Library) Play Bingo to win prizes and books. FREE! 2 p.m. www. athenslibrary.org/oconee GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.indigo athens.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer Oak Street) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Dos Palmas) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Book Launch (Rec Room Books) Celebrate the publication of Audrey Meeker’s kids graphic novel Last One Picked. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/recroombooks LECTURES & LIT: Book Discussion (Bogart Library) Join others to discuss the book The Anxious Generation along with other publications, podcasts and more. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Georgia Native Plant Society (Sandy Creek Nature Center) This month’s presentation features Dr. Rebecca Abney and a discussion on biochar and soil health. 6 p.m. FREE! www.gnps. org f

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

bulletin board & classifieds BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com. CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.

Classifieds HELP WANTED (Full-time) Athens digital marketing agency seeks articulate, energetic, professional Private Equity Sales Associates. More info at: lightmarkmedia.com/ job HELP WANTED (Part-time) Daily Groceries Co-Op is now accepting applications for cashiers, deli, stockers, shift leader. Applications available in store from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 1190 Prince Ave. NOTICES (Missed Connections) You have blonde hair and fair skin and named Emily at Chik-fil-a. Last time seeing you things were not right now your missing. Am thinking about you and concerned. MUSIC (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-612-4926 REAL ESTATE (Duplex for Rent) Lease take over for 2BD/1BA duplex near Normaltown/Boulevard area. 442 Yonah Ave. W/D, garden, parking, fireplace. $1500 month and option to renew at current rate. Available Nov.1. Text 404-938- 9778. SERVICES (Home & Garden) Scratching your head with all this poison ivy? We can help! Woman- Run Gardening Services: We offer

garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706-395-5321 SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low- maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631- 903-4365.

Arts ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory BEGINNING FIGURE DRAWING (OCAF) All-day workshop Jan. 16, 2027 for artists of all levels to learn nude figure drawing. Experienced UGA instructor and female professional art model teach small class. Registration is $99 with additional $15 model fee. www.drawathens. org CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls. CALL FOR ART (OCAF, Watkinsville) Now accepting submissions for the annual Members Exhibition. Open to current, valid members. Deadline

Nov. 1. Exhibition Dec. 4–18. www. ocaf.com/exhibitions for rules, regulations and other information. CALL FOR ARTISTS (Ciné) ATHICA seeking visual artists to submit proposals for exhibitions in the ATHICA at Ciné gallery space for the 2027-28 exhibition season. Single, duo or group exhibits, and 2D art. Deadline Nov. 1. $10 entry fee. www.athica.org CALL FOR ARTISTS (Oconee County Bat Festival, Watkinsville) Seeking artists for festival. Handcrafted items and art with natural themes, earth-inspired elements or representations of the environment, wildlife, and botanical subjects preferred. Event held Oct. 12. Contact Carsen Dean, Oconee County ANR agent at crd72388@uga.edu or 706-542-7078. CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Submit artwork to be featured on the 2027 Marigold Festival posters, T-shirts and more. Deadline Jan. 1. www.marigold festival.com CALL FOR PERFORMERS (Jam in the Streets) Local bands, independent artists and DJs in the Athens or greater Atlanta area and surrounding cities are encouraged to apply. Jam For Cam is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Deadline Oct. 31. www. instagram.com/jamforcam LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Monthly after-

ADOPT ME!

Visit www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter

Tank (61699256)

Tank is a sweet 10-year-old senior who was surrendered with his buddy Dante. He is house trained and crate trained and loves to show off his good manners in exchange for treats.

Jett (61765036)

Little Jett is an adorable pup who’s friendly with everyone he meets. He loves being held and laying across a friend’s lap while enjoying some pets. You can adopt or foster him today!

Knightly (58917391)

Knightly was first adopted after graduating from Project Homebound, but unfortunately he’s back at the shelter. He’s looking for a family who has just as much energy as he does!

These pets and many others are available for adoption or foster at:

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way · 706-613-3540 Call for appointment

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

noon life drawing sessions, every fourth Tuesday. Models scheduled represent the full spectrum of age, color, race and genders. Artists 18 & up only. Registration and prepayment required. $20. www. drawathens.org. SEEKING FLOATS & PERFORMERS (ACC Leisure Services) Applications are now open for the annual Downtown Parade of Lights on Dec. 3. Deadline 5 p.m., Nov. 3. $40 application fee. www.accgov.com/ parade SEEKING ZINE ART & IDEAS (Suburban Vermin) Accepting submissions for art, craft ideas, poetry and more for free local publication. Message @suburban.vermin.zine on Instagram.

Auditions ATHENS CRUSH DANCE TEAM (Dancefx Dance Studio) The new Indoor Football League franchise has announced auditions for the team’s inaugural Athens Crush Dance Team. Performances at 8 games March–July, 2027. Auditions held Nov. 14, 1–4 p.m. $35 with pre-registration, $50 for same- day registration. www.athenscrush. com/dance-team MERIDIAN WOMEN’S CHORUS OPEN CALL (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) New members invited

to join the fall rehearsal season. Schedule vocal assessment to determine voice part. No audition necessary. www.meridianwomens chorus.org OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill levels. www.georgiachildrenschorus. org/about/audition OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com

Classes A COURSE IN MIRACLES (580 Tallassee Rd.) Heal your psychology and your life using simple instruction of high vibrational thought. Sundays, 10–11:30 a.m. 770-237- 2354, www.unityathens.com ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” and more. Parking fee/ pass required for all events. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Wednesdays) and more. www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACCA) Various weekly and monthly events including Center for Active Living Happy Hour (various locations, every first Thursday), Normaltown Poker with Pals (Mondays), Mat Pilates (Mondays) and more. Registration may be required. www. accaging.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Athens Land Trust) Various virtual and in-person classes with topics that include Affordable Housing Info and Homebuyer Education Course. www.athenslandtrust.org/classes- events

CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio.org, www.canopystudio.org/outreach/ scholarships CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Drop-In Painting (2nd & 4th Tuesdays), Writers of Oconee (2nd & 4th Mondays), Bingo (2nd Wednesdays), Open Chess Play (Saturdays), Mixed Media Meetup (Mondays) and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Flow Yoga & Pilates (Monday), Yoga in the Gallery (Wednesdays), Chair Yoga & Creative Cafe (Thursdays) and more. www.winterville center.com CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays & Sundays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu CLASSES, PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for extended session pottery classes, art instruction and more. www.ocaf.com/ courses CUBAN MUSIC & MOVEMENT (The Studio Athens) TIMBAthens offers Cuban-style salsa classes on Sundays. 3 p.m. for Level 1 Foundations and 4 p.m. for Level 2 & 3 Partner Work and Rueda de Casino. Through Dec. 13 with exception of Oct. 18. Drop-in $10 for first four classes only. Class passes available. www.timbathens.com CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop in. www.SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop,

jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of classes and activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for both adults and children. Registration now open. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE SCHOOL FREE CLASSES (Various Locations) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfree school on Instagram. IMPROV CLASSES (Grady College) Free improv classes every Wednesday in Room 509. 5:30 p.m. More information @ImprovAthens OPEN ICE SKATING (Akins Ford Arena) Athens GA Figure Skating Club offers open ice skating for all skill levels every Monday through Thursday, 4–5 p.m. $10 students, $15 general admission. RSVP required. Athensgafigureskating@ gmail.com

Help Out ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark project.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-850- 0387 or support@grailbras.com CALL FOR HOSTS (Porchfest) Porches needed for Historic Athens Porchfest. Openings in the following neighborhoods: Boulevard, Buena Vista Heights, Cobbham, Newtown, Normaltown, Pulaski Heights and Reese-Hancock. Also seeking sponsors and volunteers. Event held Oct. 18. bit.ly/porch help26 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE NEEDED (ACCGov) The Landscape Management Division is seeking a privately-owned cedar tree for donation as a public Christmas tree display in front of City Hall. Interested donors call 706-613-3561. COUCH CRASHERS (ACC Animal Services Department) A short-term foster initiative to provide shelter dogs with the chance to experience the comfort of a home environment over weekends and holiday weekends for one to three days. All needed items provided. Opportunities throughout the year. www. accgov.com/couchcrashers DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.com FEMINIST BIRD CLUB BIRDATHON (Athens, GA) Fundraiser benefiting Mutual Aid Disaster Relief with various activities including counting bird species, submitting checklists, community engagement and more. Oct. 16–19. www.instagram.com/ fbc.athens FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple

Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE (Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace inc.org, info@silverlace.org MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location. www. accgov.com/11669/pet-microchips PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food support to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/ adoptioncenter SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. thebiggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Books For Keeps) Seeking new members for its board of directors. Preferred experience includes marketing and financial management. www.instagram.com/bfk_athens, www.booksforkeeps.org SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Town & Gown) The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations (including self-nominations) for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary for the 2027 calendar year. Descriptions of these roles can be found in the bylaws. www.town andgownplayers.org/governance SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a dropoff please call 706-546-1133, ext 223. SEEKING DONATIONS (Athens, GA) Local homeless ministry Hands of Hope accepting donations of clothing for their free distribution program and fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting the program. 706-207-5172 SEEKING DONATIONS (Athens, GA) Local book club RIP Books seeking donations of any genre of books to stock Little Libraries around town. Email ripbookclubathens@gmail. com for updated drop off location or to arrange pick up. SEEKING DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www. accgov.com/animalservices SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing opportunities with nonprofits and community organizations. SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (ACC Solid Waste Vulture Festival) Seeking volunteers for the 13th annual festival. Set-up, break-down, children’s activities and more. Free t-shirt and meal provided. Oct. 10, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. recycle.intern@accgov.com

TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www.acc gov.com/trs VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com

Kidstuff CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Library) Various ongoing weekly events including various storytimes, Tween/Teen Club Creative, Teen Writing Club and more. www.athens library.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania, Storytime with Miss Harli, Sensory Open Play and more. www.athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Children’s Lego Builder’s Challenge, Children’s Crafternoon, Story Time and more. www.athenslibrary.org/oconee FARMPLAY (Foxfire Woods & Farm) Monthly nature-based, creativity-filled playgroup for kids ages 11–15. Registration required. $5 suggested donation. www.foxfire woodsandfarm.com HALLOWEEN COSTUME WEEK (Oconee County Library, Watkinsville) Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to visit the library in costume and receive fun surprises. Oct. 26–31 during business hours. www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

Word on the Street BOOK SALE (Front Porch Bookstore) $10 bag sale every Saturday benefitting the Winterville Friends of the Library. Cash, check or Venmo only. www.cityofwinterville.com/ front-porch-bookstore BOOK SALE (Oglethorpe County Public Library, Lexington) Pop-up books sale benefitting the Oglethorpe Friends of the Library. Through Oct. 13 during business hours. $5 bag sale every Saturday. Cash or check only. www.athenslibrary.org/ oglethorpe CALL FOR VENDORS (Asian Lunar Festival) Now accepting applications for local artists, performers, food vendors, community organizations and more for the second annual Athens Asian Lunar Festival. Event held Feb. 13. www.instagram. com/taste_asia_st CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Library Store) Applications now open for Holiday Market. Crafters, makers, authors and more are encouraged to apply. Table fee options $15 & up. Deadline Oct. 9, acceptance notification Oct. 15, and event held Dec. 5. All proceeds benefit the Athens Library. www. friendsofacclibrary.org/market CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Farmer’s Market) Applications now open for Holiday Market. Seeking artists, farmers and prepared food vendors. $20 application fee. Deadline Oct. 9, acceptance notification Oct. 16, and event held Nov. 28. www. athensfarmersmarket.net/holiday artistmarket CALL FOR VENDORS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Applications now open for Market Days featuring fresh foods, baked goods and specialty items. Every second Saturday. $25 per market or $80 for the full four-market series. www.athens welcomecenter.com

CALL FOR VENDORS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Applications now open for the OCAF Annual Holiday Market. Artists and makers are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submission is Oct. 15 and the juried event is held Nov. 20–22. www.ocaf.com/ holiday-market CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups and more. www. multiplechoices.us/youre-invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-227-1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. FREE! www.mindfulbreath sangha.org PEACEFUL PROTEST (Athens, GA) Indivisible GA District 10 has an “Every Monday” weekly protest on the corner of the corner of Alps and Baxter. 12:30–1:30 p.m. www. indivisiblega10.org RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FIELD TRIP WORKSHOP (Athens, GA) A 6-week cohort for folks seeking LGBT-affirming church, who want a reparative church experience, or are curious about the denominations. Includes 4 advance-scouted Sunday church visits and lunch debriefs, opening/closing circles and a 1-on-1 spiritual direction session. $108–126. Registration closes Oct. 30. www.reclaim spirituality.com/fieldtrips SEEKING SEASONAL EMPLOYEES (Athens, GA) AthFest now hiring for two part-time, seasonal positions: Event Coordinator and Musical Talent Booking Agent. Deadline Oct. 15, but applications are subject to closing sooner. More info and submission details at www.athfest.com/ job-opportunities SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134 SUNDAY CELEBRATION & DRUM CIRCLE (Unity Athens Spiritual Center) Sunday Celebration every Sunday 12:30 p.m. Monthly drum circle before service every 3rd Sunday. Monthly drum circle before service every 3rd Sunday of the month. Go to www.unityathens.com for our weekly classes. VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com VOTER REGISTRATION RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium) Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www.economic justicecoalition.org

Missing Something? MORE LISTINGS (Online) Find the Bulletin Board at www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls, support group information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

On October 17, we say:

food & drink

grub notes

More Than Bubbles at Queen Tea PLUS, SUNROOF COFFEE’S DOWNTOWN LOCATION

By Amanda Johnson food@flagpole.com bee for a time. The vintage lawn chair logo and even the name Sunroof Coffee is so evocative of recreation and leisure. It’s nice to have coffee recognized as the exciting elixir it actually is. The storefront is down a small flight of stairs facing the newly renovated College Square. Despite the tiny footprint, this space has an effortless coolness about it. The walls are hunter green and pale yellow, a very retro-feeling palette. The kitschy decor and finishes make this space one you could easily find in Brooklyn. There is a nice collection of merch, including hats, shirts and and a couple funny bumper stickers, as well as coffee beans from a curated selection of Southeast regional coffee roasters from Atlanta, North Carolina and South Carolina. AMANDA JOHNSON

QUEEN TEA (151 E Broad St., queenteaboba. com): The micro patio at Queen Tea sits just opposite North Campus under the shade of a giant ginkgo tree. This store marks the fifth location from the chain originating in Kennesaw, with a mission to bring authentic Taiwanese bubble tea to the masses. Realistically though, we’re living in a bubble tea bubble of sorts. Athens hosts no less than 10 businesses that list bubble tea as a primary offering. This is just the type of thing that would incite a meme from @ philthrottle. Gen Z apparently loves slurping tiny balls into their mouths and so do I, so I’m here for it. The interior is a somewhat nondescript shade of gray. It makes the space feel kind of calm and unassuming. The marble- topped dining tables and plush leather seats give an elevated sort of appeal. The decor is centered around a cute chibi mascot, a green-haired jaunty Downtown, Eastside, Alps & Baxter, Prince Ave. little gal with a Sign waving, banner brigade, car parade … crown. If you want to dial in your precise IndivisibleGA10.org/no-kings-ve or Scan bubble tea perfection, it’s easy with an adjustable gradient of sweetness and ice (0%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 125%). I opted for the oolong milk tea with traditional tapioca bubbles. The texture of the boba was ideal, completely hydrated and soft but still toothsome, the hallmark of freshly made tapioca pearls. Queen Tea For lunch I chose the spicy tofu rice If your partner objects when you use the phone, which was plentiful with a base of limits your everyday contact with familybowl, and friends, rice, kimchi and seaweed salad, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry,steamed aggressive Ifconfrontations, your partner objects you use topped withphone, a mountain of nicely fried you need to when step back and takethe limits contact with family and friends, tofu cubes generously tossed in gochujang, anotheryour look.everyday How can you cope once you are involved served with chili garlic mayo on the side. with you a controlling Callto Project Safe for help. and restrictpartner? yourself avoid angry, aggressive Theissoft- boiled egg was a little closer to Our hotline is confidential, and counseling free. confrontations, you need to step back and take medium-hard, but I didn’t end up having Get your life back. Get help. another look. How can you coperoom once areI had involved foryou it after attacked the mounwith a controlling partner? Call tain Project Safe help. of tofu. Nextfor time I will delve deeper into the street food menu that offers Our hotline24 is hours/day confidential, and counseling is free. Hotline, buns, gyoza and traditional TaiIf your partner objects when youGet useyour the phone, back. help. del steamed Linea de life crisis, las Get 24 horas dia wanese salt and pepper chicken. limits your everyday contact with family and friends, Oh, and to absolutely bury the lead, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive probably the coolest thing Queen Tea offers is a self-serve ramen bar, with 45 different confrontations, you need to step back and take packaged base options to choose from and another look. How can you cope once you are involved all-you- can- eat toppings from the adjacent Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. cold bar for just $6.99. I fear I am past my instant ramen days, but the ’90s kid in me Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. is majorly impressed. Get your life back. Get help. Queen Tea is open daily 10 a.m.–12 a.m.

We’ll be all over Athens.

Join us!

If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Alpha Chi Omega wants you to ﬁnd help.

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 7, 2026

SUNROOF COFFEE DOWNTOWN (198 College Ave., instagram.com/sunroofcoffeeath): Coffee might as well be the poster child of productivity and the daily grind of life. Most often I find I am cooling it off just enough so I can chug it and masquerade as a good worker

The cafe was positively mobbed with folks, though the line moved quickly, and I was at the counter placing my order in no time. The menu is curated, but all the essentials are there, with a unique lineup of specialty and seasonal drinks, like the iced shaken espresso or the pumpkin roll latte. I ordered the Apple Pie Dirty Chai, as I am both a total slut for fall and a big fan of dirty chai. Sunroof’s version was coffee forward: The chai was there, just not the prominent flavor. This iced drink wasn’t too sweet—most of the baked apple syrup flavor resided in the cold foam, which tasted both juicy and cloudlike. The shop also sells Independent Baking Co. pastries, so I enjoyed my apple drink with a decadent apple butter and custard danish. I don’t know if it was just the novelty of trying a new independent coffee shop or the changing of the season, but I left Sunroof Coffee with a lighter mood and a bit of a caffeine buzz. Sunroof Coffee is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. A small staircase down is the only way in; if accessibility is a concern, this might not be the place. f

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

6 3 9

7 4

CORD SIBILSKY VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2026

2 3 5 9 5

6 9 2 3

FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW WITH OVER 900 HOMES SOLD

O:706-510-5189

C:706-363-0803

CSG-GAP.COM

7 9

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of of 10/5/26 3 by 3 boxes must contain Week - 10/11/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

by Margie E. Burke

19 22

24 Solution to Sudoku:

29 2 4 9 281 7 3 8 6 5 32 7 336 343 8 355 4 9 1 2 37 5 8 1 382 9 6 3 7 439 40 1 9 8 4 6 2 5 341 7 43 4 2 7 5 3 9 1 844 6 46 47 48 2 9 6 3 5 7 1 8 4 9 5 536 3 548 7 2 4 1 8 577 4 9 2 1 6 5 358 56 3 1 2 6 4 5 7 61 9 8 60

42 45 49

ACROSS 1 European auto, once 5 Untidy one 9 Gave meds to 14 Netflix rival 15 Come clean 16 Opening words 17 Door anagram 18 Tried hard 20 Narrow down 22 Tomorrow, in Tulum 23 Dutch painter Jan 24 Wrapped garment 25 Pickling herb 28 City of India 30 Not a nice guy 32 Distant 35 Plant starter 36 Pain in the chest 37 Helped in a heist 39 Pieces of hair 40 Reverses 41 "Get outta here!" 42 Old gun, slangily 43 Angelic figure 44 Like some fries 46 "___ bien!" 47 Aunt Bee's charge 49 Skier's quarters 53 Gawks

59 62 65

55 Tel Aviv's land 56 Chamber of Commerce members 59 German seaport 60 With regard to 61 Collette of film 62 Coastal flier 63 Evade a question 64 Mining finds 65 He played Ken DOWN 1 Exhibits 2 Check the books 3 By oneself 4 Overdone, to a cook 5 Dinner in a pot 6 Late DWTS judge Goodman 7 Card game for kids 8 Make cloudy 9 Pop star, sometimes 10 Five Nations tribe 11 Stretching tight 12 Before, in poems 13 Pentagon org., previously 19 Walt Disney, e.g. 21 Ragtime dance 24 Cast off

26 Lavin or Blair 27 Part of LCD, in math 29 Potential shipwreck spot 31 Signs up for 32 Soul-seller of legend 33 "Li'l" comic strip character 34 Set right 38 Honoring, as at a wedding 39 Actress Elisabeth 41 Type of swimmer's kick 45 The New ____ (weekly) 48 Alfredo alternative 50 Vegan no-no 51 Thelma portrayer 52 Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" 54 Initial stake 55 Goddess of fertility 56 Album after "Thriller" 57 Dos preceder 58 OH to MA direction

Puzzle answers are available at www.flagpole.com/puzzles

OC T OB E R 7, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

THE WHOLE BALLOT

ray smith

rep. spencer frye

Rep. eric gisler

HD 124

HD 121

SD 46

HD 122

linktr.ee/clarkedems

melanie miller

HD 120

VOTE VOTE EARLY: EARLY: OCTOBER 13

Suzanna karatassos

THE WHOLE BALLOT

VOTE EARLY. HELP US REACH MORE VOTERS. Your early vote lets campaigns focus their resources on turning out voters who haven’t voted yet.

OCT. OCT. 13–18 13–18

Tuesday - Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM Sunday: 12–3 PM

Elections Office 133 E. Washington St

Find more early voting dates, times, and locations at: accgov.com/advancevoting Paid for by the Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee